Keeping Stella’s advice in mind,
teens should look for creative ways to
exercise. For instance, meet friends at an
indoor pool and plan some races. Sled-
ding is also a great workout. Once you
go down, you have to climb back up!
The key is enjoyment and socialization.
After all, time with friends is always an
energy and mood booster.
Worst Case:
Seasonal Depression
Does your teen seem to be more af-
fected by the winter than she should be?
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
is a form of depression that occurs dur-
ing the winter months when days get
shorter. Symptoms include excessive
eating, excessive sleeping, decreased
energy, difficulty concentrating, and
weight gain. A craving for carbohydrates
is also characteristic of SAD.
How does a parent realize it’s
more than mild “cabin fever?” Angelos
Halaris, M.D., Ph.D, a professor of psy-
chiatry and behavioral neurosciences at
Loyola Medical Center in Maywood, IL,
offers, “SAD, whether in teens or adults,
has a seasonal pattern. It usually sets in
during early November, gets progres-
sively worse during the course of the
winter months, and begins to lift by it-
self in late March or early April.”
Cases can range from mild to se-
vere, but SAD is treatable. Dr. Halaris
advises, “If at all possible, get outside
during winter, even if it is overcast. Open
drapes and blinds to let in natural light.
SAD can be effectively treated with light
therapy, antidepressant medication, and
psychotherapy.”
Cool Options for
Cold Months
Besides energy-packed foods and
a good dose of exercise, suggest these
clever ways teens can keep their energy
level up and enjoy themselves.
Take it outside: Snap some
beautiful winter landscape photos while
hiking or decorate an evergreen (It
doesn’t have to be Christmas!).
Indoor options: Take a class
and meet new friends (i.e., cooking or
photography).
Get creative: Don’t watch a
movie – make a movie!
Revitalize a space: Change the
look of your bedroom.
Serve the community: Volun-
teer in a soup kitchen for the homeless.
This time of year is extremely hard for
those in need — when teens feel needed,
they feel good.
TIPS & TALES
“My friends and I plan Wii Zumba or
Just Dance parties. It brings us together
in the months we can’t get outside. It’s
really fun and is actually a workout,
too!”
— Nicole Armeno,
Staatsburg, NY – Age 18
Myrna Beth Haskell is the author of “LI-
ONS and TIGERS and TEENS: Expert
advice and support for the conscientious
parent just like you” (Unlimited Pub-
lishing, LLC). Her work has appeared
in publications across the U.S. as well
as internationally. To learn more, visit
www.myrnahaskell.com.
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