TeenAdvice.org

Acne: causes & treatments

2013-04-18T13:29:51Z

Acne is a visible, distressing condition which can cause other health issues such as scarring and depression if left untreated. If someone is suffering from acne then it’s important to seek treatment, as a medical professional can help get the condition under control.

The surge of testosterone can trigger acne

Causes of acne

When hair follicles of the skin become blocked, acne can develop. The sebaceous glands, which oil the hair and skin, produce too much sebum which in turn leads to blackheads and whiteheads. Normally present bacteria on the skin can then infect the hair follicles, leaving pustules or cysts on the surface. In teenagers, the surge of testosterone can trigger acne; it can also run in families or be triggered by stress, pregnancy and medication. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women has also been known to cause acne.

How acne is diagnosed

Diagnosis is made by a doctor who will examine the skin. Acne is not always limited to the face so a doctor may check all affected areas including the face, chest and back of the patient. Once the presence of blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed nodules are confirmed a diagnosis will be made. A diagnosis is measured on a sliding scale of 1 – 4 depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Treatment

It’s worth consulting a pharmacist as over the counter medication can help. Self help treatments involve limiting the washing of affected areas to twice a day with tepid water, refraining from squeezing spots however tempting or painful they are, and avoiding make-up. If these methods don’t help then a doctor can prescribe antibiotic creams or tablets. If acne is severe, then a doctor may send the patient to a skin specialist called a dermatologist. If prescription medication hasn’t previously worked then stronger, specific medication may be prescribed by the dermatologist. Some women whose acne is caused by hormones can be given hormonal therapy to redress the imbalance.

All treatments take some time to prove effective. It can be up to three months before any improvement is seen. The key is to persevere with the techniques and medicines.

Clothing Advice For Teens

2013-04-18T12:31:25Z

There can be a great deal of pressure for teens to look good in the right clothing and fit in with everyone else. It may be difficult for some teens to find their own style, particularly when on a budget. As you get into your teens, you might want to assert yourself when it comes to clothing choices, but sometimes parents want to oversee what you wear. The trick here is to show them that you are capable of making sensible choices, whilst at the same time staying trendy and fashionable.

It can be difficult to know at first what types and styles of clothing suit you.

It can be difficult to know at first what types and styles of clothing suit you. As your body changes and as you get older, it can be tricky finding clothing that is not too young or too old for you. The joy of shopping, especially with a supportive parent or friend, is that you can try on all sorts of clothing, and get a second opinion regarding fit and style. Don’t wear clothes which are too tight as they only serve to make you look fat. Try on different clothing to find out what flatters your good points and disguises your not-so-good areas of the body. Above all have fun: You have youth and vibrancy on your side and how you dress should reflect this. You can wear mismatching patterns and bold colours and get away with it, especially if you have the personality to match. Teens don’t have to worry about haute couture. You can see what is on trend by looking at magazines, and then enjoy yourself finding affordable alternatives in stores or on the internet.Accessories are an affordable way of jazzing up clothing. You can change an outfit with a trendy belt or bag, or chunky colourful jewellery. Similarly, shoes do not have to be just functional. They can transform and enhance any outfit, from jeans to a posh frock. If you have ever stumbled across Irregular Choice, you will know exactly what I mean. If you want to be fashionable, yet distinctive, you can find shoes which make a statement about you. You are young, unique, fun and gorgeous and your clothing and shoes should say that about you.

Online High School for Teens

2012-09-12T08:47:51Z

Trying to graduate high school can be a long and difficult process. In addition to homework, writing essays and taking tests, you have to cope with relationships, parents, after school activities and finding a part-time job. Sometimes the stress of family problems and economic hardships is so great that it prevents a teenager from finishing high school and receiving a diploma. Fortunately, students who have completed only two or three years of high school can now earn a diploma by obtaining the credits they need by enrolling in online high school classes.

What is a General Equivalency Diploma?

Online High School Students

Although the high school diploma you earn online will not be one that states you have graduated from the high school you once attended, it will be every bit as valid as any diploma given to students who completed four years of high school. Referred to as a general equivalency diploma, this certificate confirms that you have earned enough credits to be considered a high school graduate. State credit requirements vary but most are between 19 and 24 credits.

The online high school graduate will need to accumulate a certain amount of credits in math, English, history and science before they receive a valid diploma. The remainder of the credits earned come from electives such as languages, art or business classes.

Students with an online high school diploma can use it just like a traditionally earned diploma–to get a job or to continue their education by attending a community college or four-year university. Many online schools that offer classes for obtaining a high school diploma are vocational or technical schools that also provide online instruction for trades such as paralegal, auto repair, computer specialist and cosmetology.

Useful Information about Online High School

It usually takes less than a year to earn the credits you need to receive a high school diploma. However, classes are styled so that you can complete them at your own pace so there is no stress involved with adhering to a strict schedule. Some students may finish class assignments and take the GED exam within several weeks of beginning the course, depending on the time and effort spent on classes.

Cost of tuition is low, with most accredited online high schools offering payment programs and/or need-based scholarships to reduce expenses

An online high school will accept all previously earned credits as long as the credits can be verified by obtaining copies of all high school transcripts

Classes and associated material are accessible any time of the day or night. Instructors, tutors and counselors working for the virtual school are also available via email or phone to answer questions and help with assignments when needed.

Some online high schools will apply certain parenting/life/work experience credits towards earning a high school diploma. The majority of students taking classes through an online high school originally had to leave school before graduating due to work or family concerns, which naturally gives them more learned experience with real-life issues.
To learn more about online high school classes and find an online high school, visit http://www.onlineschool.com/online-high-school/.

Benefits of Earning a General Equivalency Diploma

In addition to providing greater access to employment and educational opportunities, people who have a GED have been proven statistically to enjoy much higher annual salaries than those without a high school diploma. According to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau, a high school graduate can expect to typically earns between $1.3 and $1.5 million in a lifetime; people without high school diplomas may expect to make much less than one million dollars during their working years.

With a high school diploma, however, you have the opportunity to pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree, which currently has an earning potential of around $2.2 million in a lifetime.

Get Your GED As Soon As Possible

Research studies into students who return to school in order to obtain a high school diploma have found that the longer someone delays in getting their GED, the harder it is for them to successfully complete an online high school program. Much of the information you learned while still attending a traditional high school may become lost due to non-use and will need to be re-learned. This may increase the amount of time you need to spend studying for tests that you probably could have passed within a year or two of leaving your regular high school.

Educational professionals also recommend returning to school as soon as possible to get your high school diploma so that you will not be as likely to miss valuable educational opportunities made available to you. Don’t miss taking advantage of a good job offer just because you delayed enrolling in an online high school.

Eating disorder: A new Problem

2012-09-11T13:38:21Z

Anorexia

Eating disorders in teenagers are not a new problem. For years, young people have been falling prey to body image and control issues that lead to restricted eating patterns. There are many reasons, and there are usually goals that the teen is trying to obtain. While it will be difficult, there are several possible ways to bring victims of eating disorders back to normal eating behavior.

Understanding the reason is the first task that must be completed. It is possible for eating disorders to develop because of a negative self-image. When a normal weight teenager sees thin and air-brushed models in a magazine, they may resort to starving themselves in an attempt to obtain that image. Often, eating disorders are about control. When a person has very little control of their outside circumstances, they may attempt to control the few things that they can. In addition to simply starving themselves, people with anorexia often develop strange eating habits. They may eat a certain number of bites of a particular food everyday. These compulsive regimented eating patterns can be calming. With eating disorders such as bulimia, it may seem that one simply chooses to binge on high-calorie foods for enjoyment and then to vomit them to avoid the consequences of weight gain. In reality, the binge and purge cycle of bulimia is also about control and purging may bring about a sense of calm.

Treatment will depend on the reason the behavior started and how far it has progressed. If a child is just beginning to be obsessed with food, it may be possible to stop it in its tracks. Encouraging and monitoring healthy eating and engaging the teen in more constructive activities may help. Once it becomes serious, professional help may be needed. There are many programs designed specifically for teens with eating disorders, and medication can help treat the obsessive compulsive nature that is often true of those with eating disorders.

Successfully stopping a teenager from engaging in eating disorders depends on catching it quickly, identifying the reason and seeking help before it becomes a matter of life and death.

The Importance of Friendship

2012-03-21T10:33:02Z

Friendship means so many different things. Friendship means that you aren’t be judged and you are accepted for just the way you are, regardless of your faults.

The Importance of Friendship

2012-09-11T13:29:15Z

Friendship means so many different things. Friendship means that you aren’t be judged and you are accepted for just the way you are, regardless of your faults. A true friend accepts everything about you. Friends can also forgive each other in times of disagreement and strife. True friends are always there for each other.

Freindship

Friends have many things in common. This makes friends more understanding of each other. Friends can be of the same gender, or like the same kinds of food, movies and other stuff. It’s always better when you can enjoy things in life when you can enjoy them with someone else too. Friendship can also seem a little overwhelming at times. This could be because friends are afraid to let each other down or disappoint them. It’s OK for friends to like different things and participate in activities without the other person. A true friendship means that each person can stand on their own and be independent of each other. This helps keep the friendship more enjoyable.

It’s important for teenagers and adults to have a friendship because everyone needs others from time to time. Having friends is similar to having family. They are people that you can count on in your greatest time of need. They can help you in times of trouble, and be there to enjoy and share in the great parts of your life too. Most people only have 2-3 true friends their entire lives. True friends should never be confused with acquaintances, which are people you are friendly with on almost a daily basis. True friendship will stand the test of time.

When Depression Turns To Cutting

2012-09-11T13:29:57Z

Many teens experience depression and don’t know how to handle it other than cutting themselves. Friends and family should immediately recognize the sign of a cutter and get them help right away.

Borderline syndrom: The results of cutting yourself

Many teenagers go through very confusing times during their adolescent years, and while many parents may see their teenagers going through normal, simple problems, teens may see these problems differently. The stress endured by teens could lead to thoughts of suicide. Self mutilation or being a borderline / cutter is one of the signs that suicide could be imminent for a depressed teen. Action should be taken immediately with a borderline / cutter so that they don’t harm themselves.

Immediate action is needed with a borderline / cutter because their mind is not in a rational state. They have already started cutting themselves, and if gone unnoticed, suicide could be the next step. A professional counselor or therapist can determine whether or not the teen is suffering from severe long term depression or suffering from a short term crises where they simply don’t have the skills to cope. Medication and/or coping skills could be all a teen needs to help them through their tough times.

There are many reasons why teens may want to cut themselves. One reason is that it gives them power and control over something. Cutting themselves is one thing teens can control when they feel out of control with the rest of their lives. It could also be a cry for help or for getting attention, and they feel there is no other way to ask.

Friends and family can help a borderline / cutter by first recognizing the signs of a borderline / cutter. If there are noticeable wounds on the body, then this could be a sign of a problem. If the borderline / cutter doesn’t attempt to conceal or hide these wounds, then this could be a cry for help. Friends and family should then take action immediately when seeing any signs of self mutilation by seeking professional help for the troubled teen.

Whatever the reasons, a borderline / cutter is not in a rationale state of mind, and friends and family should be ready to help before it goes too far.

Overcoming The Fear of Failure For Teens

2012-02-07T13:05:41Z

The fear of failure is prevalent among teens.

Overcoming The Fear of Failure For Teens

2012-09-11T13:34:35Z

The fear of failure is prevalent among teens. The adolescent years are already confusing enough, and many teens experience a very real fear of being rejected by their peers for attempting to take on daunting tasks and failing at them. This fear of failure has caused many teens to quit striving for the things they want to achieve in life, instead they would rather blend into the crowd.
Many teens must learn to overcome their fear of failure because many of life’s lessons are learned from failing. Michael Jordan, one of the best basketball players of all time, was cut from his high school basketball team the first time he tried out. Instead of giving into his fear of failure, he continued to practice harder than he had ever done. Needless to say, he tried out for the team again, and this time he made it, and the rest is history.

Albert Einstein, considered one of the smartest people in the world, did not learn how to read until he was the age of seven. If he did not overcome his fear of failure, he would not have gone on to do some of the great things he is known for, including winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

Teens must be willing to fail in order to become someone or do something great. The best advice to give to teenagers with a fear of failure is that time will heal all wounds. Many years from now their peers may not even remember the thing that they attempted and failed.

Some teens may want to do or achieve great things, but they have a hard time overcoming their fear of failure. In this case, a school guidance counselor, parent or other trusted adult may be able to help them through this fear. Life is too short to worry about the fear of failure, and the more that teens are able to overcome this fear, the more destined they are to doing great things.

Coping With Teenage Depression

2012-02-06T14:20:45Z

Depression among teens is a growing phenomenon that is beginning to spiral out of control.