Believe it or not, social setting, presentation, and even the size of the plate can all influence how much a person eats. Dr. Wanda Hollway, a specialist in eating disorders and obesity, gives advice about what to look for and how to keep eating under control at parties and other social gatherings.

"People often feel a loss of control over their food intake when they are being observed or monitored by others. They may often have a hard time saying no when others are commenting on the taste and flavor of different items or when they are being encouraged to try something they would not have chosen while alone. More often than not, they tend to eat more than they had intended."

Social gatherings are meant to be fun for adults and for kids. Enjoying food together is part of the fun and shouldn't be cut out altogether. It is important, however, to be aware of how much you're actually eating.

Social influences and pressures can make teens engage in all kinds of risky behaviors including substance abuse. Worried that your teenager is doing drugs or drinking? Visit DrugRehabTreatment.com for warning signs and ways to help.

Labels: influences, pressures, stress

Teens with sleep apnea are more likely to be overweight and at risk for heart attacks, strokes and diabetes, according to a new study by Case Western University. Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder in which soft tissues in the throat collapse temporarily during sleep.

Dr. Susan Redline and her colleagues studied 270 teenagers and found that those with sleep apnea were six and a half times more likely to have metabolic syndrome, a condition liked with being overweight. A person has the syndrome if he or she has three of the following: abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, high triglycerides and low levels of "good" cholesterol.

This study suggests that sleep apnea may contribute to metabolic syndrome, because "sleep stress" may lead to elevated blood sugar and blood pressure levels. This study appears in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Island View offers treatment programs for troubled teens to help them turn their lives around and get back on track emotionally and academically.

Labels: health_factors, sleep, stress

Many adults know firsthand the benefits of pilates. It improves flexibility, conditioning, and self-esteem. It can also help people learn how to focus. The same benefits that are experienced by adults can also be experienced by kids.

"Seven's parenting expert Dr. Valerie Goode says what's great about this form of exercise is that if your child doesn't excel at sports, pilates is a great way to help build his or her self-esteem... In fact, pilates has been shown to increase flexibility, strength, endurance and coordination. Plus, it's a great stress-reliever."

With childhood obesity rates on the rise, a low-impact form of exercise like pilates can get kids up and moving and enjoying the benefits that come from developing a strong body and mind. Read more at WSVN.com.

Labels: exercise, self_esteem, stress