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body image in teen girls
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The Effect of Social Media on Body Image in Teen Girls

The Effect of Social Media on Body Image in Teen Girls 3600 2400 se_admin

Teen girls report that social media has the biggest impact on how they feel about their bodies, rather than looking in the mirror, their health, or how their clothes fit. Social expectations override their confidence and intuition. Their friends have less input than influencers that they follow who dictate what their body should look like and how they should treat it. Research suggests that time spent on social networking sites is associated with body image issues and disordered eating in teen girls. 88% of girls say they compare themselves to images in the media and half claim that they feel negatively affected by this.

Origins of Low Self Esteem

Teen girls are the biggest users of social media platforms as a way to communicate with others and cultivate an online identity. Whether they directly see comments about their appearance, they form ideas about their ideal body and feel pressure to eat healthier. While a healthy diet is associated with better physical health, many teen girls take nutrition guidelines to the extreme, which assigns shame and guilt to certain foods that can be enjoyed in moderation. Studies show that girls who share more photos online and use photoshop to edit their pictures feel worse about their appearance and exhibit greater eating concerns, which can include restricting their intake, removing certain food groups, or overeating to cope with negative body image and low self esteem. The relationship between body image in teen girls and self esteem suggests that building confidence leads to reduced anxiety and depression, rather than changing what you eat. 

How to Help Your Daughter Improve her Body Image

Teach her that positive body image in teen girls is related to your mindset and relationship with yourself rather than the way you look.

This can take a lifetime of unlearning, especially as teen girls today are exposed to negative body messages at a younger age than older generations. However, it is not as black and white as it sounds. There is no such thing as a good body or a bad body but there is a difference between feeling good about yourself and feeling bad about yourself. Self esteem is often influenced by body image but it is also influenced by pride in your accomplishments and close connections with friends. 

Encourage her to follow body-positive accounts social media.

It’s no secret that most images of women in mainstream media have been photoshopped, often beyond recognition. Girls are more likely to compare their own appearance negatively with distant peers and celebrities. However, not all social media use is associated with body dissatisfaction. There is a growing community of people who are using their platform to talk about relationships with their body, body trust, and self-love. Exposure to positive body messages influences their mindset about their self-worth.

Role model intuitive eating and a healthy relationship with food.

As a parent of a teen girl, you are no longer responsible for controlling her diet and providing her with adequate nutrition. She may start to eat with friends or ask to prepare her own meals and have more control over what she eats. Spending time with other people while eating may feel overwhelming for her, but it redirects her preoccupation with food to enjoying the social experience. Your daughter is also influenced by comments you make about your body and the food you choose to eat, whether or not it is directed towards her. 

Introduce her to fun physical activities that help her become more aware of her body’s needs and encourage her to appreciate what her body can do.

Many girls who struggle with body image tend to over-exercise and experience a loss of pleasure from working out. Rather than focusing on weight loss and perfection, activities like hiking, yoga, swimming, and self-defense empower can empower her to rediscover joy and inner strength associated with movement. Healthier lifestyles have a significant effect on reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress. Additionally, the more time she spends outdoors, the less time she spends scrolling through social media. 

Solstice East Can Help 

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for young women ages 14-18 struggling with low self-esteem and process addictions, including disordered eating and social media addiction.  This program focuses on helping young women heal, recover, and integrate healthy habits into their lives. Students will learn to build healthy relationships, cope with emotions, and effectively communicate. Solstice East gives young women the skills and confidence they need to lead happy and healthy lives. 

For more information about social media and body image issues, contact us at (855) 672-7058.

We can help your family today!

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Airbrushed & Photoshopped: Girls’ Body Image Issues

Airbrushed & Photoshopped: Girls’ Body Image Issues 150 150 se_admin

As girls transition into adolescence, there is constant pressure from the media, their peers, and themselves to obtain the ideal body and appearance. This quest for perfection can often result in low self-esteem and negative body image. There are many reasons why your teen could develop negative body image including natural weight gain caused by puberty, peer pressure to look a certain way, and media that promotes “thin” as the ideal female body type.

Dangerous standards lead to dangerous methods

Teenage girls grow up in a culture where unrealistic expectations of female thinness and beauty are shown to them every day in the pages of airbrushed magazines and filtered Instagram posts. The models that dictate the standards of beauty are often digitally edited, cosmetically and surgically augmented, and unattainable by healthy means.

When your daughter doesn’t feel like she’s living up to the ideal standards of female beauty, she can begin to feel ashamed of her body and experience negative body image. These negative feelings can culminate in serious conditions like depression and eating disorders.

Teens who feel like they cannot achieve the ideal appearance often turn to unhealthy methods, which can result in eating disorders. Eating disorders can occur in all people experiencing the effects of negative self-image, irrespective of their weight, gender, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. A recent New York Times survey found that 60% of all girls surveyed indicated they were trying to lose weight. Of these girls, many consumed unbalanced diets, while others resorted to purging, laxatives, diuretics, and diet pills. Other unhealthy behaviors like fasting and excessive exercise were reported as means of losing weight quickly.

Dr. Nagata from Benioff Children’s Hospital writes, “If youngsters are obsessed with an idealized body image, their thinking and behavior become disordered and can take over their lives. The detrimental effects can be subtle”. Engaging in these dangerous methods will not always result in a massive physical transformation, so it is important to gauge your teen’s thought patterns and behaviors surrounding her body image.

How a parent can help

Detecting negative thought patterns and communicating openly with your daughter about weight and body image issues can help them become more comfortable in their own skin. It can be beneficial to explain the effects of puberty on their developing bodies to help them understand that what they are experiencing is normal. Teens can also benefit from discussions about media messaging. Discover what your daughter is reading or watching and engage with her about what she is seeing and what it means to her. Take this opportunity to share with her that there is not one perfect body type and encourage her to use body positive language. Using positive language like “a healthy diet” and “staying physically active” can help to reposition your daughter’s mindset on healthy body image.

Solstice East can help with girls’ body image issues


Solstice East is a residential treatment center for girls ages 14 to 17 that specializes in treating young women struggling with eating disorders, body image issues, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. At our program, girls will develop healthy physical and mental habits to help them on their journey toward healing.

For more information about how Solstice East handles girls’ body image issues, please call 828-484-9946.

trauma in teens
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Body Image in Teen Girls: Young Athletes May Be More at Risk

Body Image in Teen Girls: Young Athletes May Be More at Risk 2560 1707 se_admin

Developing a healthy body image in teen girls can be a tricky process. Our young girls are constantly bombarded with expectations of what the “perfect girl” looks like and acts like. Magazines, billboards, advertisements, movies, television–all of it is heavily laced with airbrushed, unrealistic women.

It’s not hard to believe that this would cause some issues with body image in teen girls. One group of girls that’s often thought to be “safe” from the struggles of body image is the athletes. There’s a misconception that because they’re active in sports they’re healthy–recent surveys and studies show that this can be very wrong.

Athletes struggle with body image, too

In a recent survey conducted by ESPN, girls in sports reported answers to questions concerning body image. Over 30 percent reported that they lie about their weight sometimes, 20 percent reported being called “fat” by at least one coach, and 68 percent said they feel very pressured to look “pretty” even when they’re competing.

In one study, it was found that over 1 in 7 female athletes show signs of disordered eating–others have found even higher statistics of 1 in 3. While sports can offer better self-esteem and body image in teen girls when applied correctly, it can also do the opposite due to certain factors.

When there’s too much pressure and a teen girl doesn’t know how to properly handle that stress, she may turn to unsavory ways of coping. Especially if a sport is conventionally played by “thin” girls, a teen may feel pressured to try and control her nutrition in unhealthy ways.

If your daughter is involved in sports, it’s important to emphasize the importance of physical and mental health. Sit her down and explain to her that sports can be a place to derive pride and self-esteem–but if they’re making her feel bad about herself, you’re there to help her overcome that challenge and work it out.

Make her understand that you’re there if her coach or peers are saying inappropriate or hurtful things about how an athlete should look. Body image in teen girls needs to be nurtured and guided in order to truly thrive–and as the parent, you’re there to help.

If you truly believe your daughter may be struggling with a mental health issue, it’s essential to reach out to a professional for further guidance.

Solstice East is here for your family

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for girls, ages 14 to 18. We understand the specific needs of girls, which is why our program is centered solely on them. Our students often grapple with depression, low self-esteem, issues with body image in teen girls, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral problems when they come to us.

We have a strong emphasis on family therapy, nutrition, physical fitness. We also offer a supportive staff, cutting-edge academics, addiction therapy, equine therapy, and psychiatric services. At Solstice, we help set the stage for the infusion of light into the previously darkened lives of the families we serve.

For more information about how we help with body image in teen girls at Solstice East, please contact us at 828-484-9946.

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Depression in Adolescence Affects Girls More Than Boys

Depression in Adolescence Affects Girls More Than Boys 150 150 se_admin

We already knew that depression in adolescence isn’t rare, but now it’s becoming clearer and clearer that girls are more often affected by it than boys. Research is piling up showing the disparity between the genders when it comes to depression in adolescence–but professionals are still searching for the reason why this is happening.

Reasons why depression in adolescence may affect girls more

A large study recently came out showing the gap between genders in reference to depression in adolescence. From 2005 to 2014–less than 10 years, mind you–depression in young people spiked up. This was about 500,000 more teens experiencing depression with around three-fourths of them being girls.

So, we know the what, but where’s the why?

Some scientists are chalking it up to social media use. It’s been shown that girls are more likely to be using social media platforms as a way of communicating with others–so maybe there could be a connection to explore there.

We already know that the images and expectations depicted by the media can be incredibly harmful on a young girl’s forming mind, social media just makes it easier to pass along those messages. While social media is an inspirational and revolutionary means of connecting with others, it can also be used as way for bullies to target their victims 24/7.

Focusing on appearances is never good for mental health, but that’s what many social media platforms are centered around. Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram are some of the most used social media platforms–and they all are heavily based on other’s approval of either statuses, posts, or pictures.

The answer to this spike in depression in adolescence (particularly in girls) could be traced back to the media once again. It has in the past and until the media decides to realistically and positively depict women, it may always continue.

What parents can do

As a parent–whether you believe it or not–you have a large amount of influence on the way your daughter thinks. Simply opening a discussion about the unrealistic portrayals of women in the media can be helpful.

Don’t be forceful, just gain her opinion on how she feels about the way the media shows what a “perfect” woman should look and act like. The insight can help you to be more positive around your daughter and be a better role model overall.

If you truly believe your daughter is facing issues such as depression in adolescence, it’s critical to seek out a professional for further guidance.

Solstice East is here for your family

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for girls, ages 14 to 18. Our girls often grapple with depression in adolescence, low self-esteem, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, bullying, and other emotional or behavioral problems when they come to us.

We strive to help students develop healthy habits and lead themselves back onto a path of success and happiness through meaningful therapy and a nurturing environment.

For more information about treating depression in adolescence at Solstice East, please contact us at 828-484-9946.

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Treatment for Teen Girls: Barbie & Body Image Issues

Treatment for Teen Girls: Barbie & Body Image Issues 150 150 se_admin

What is the “perfect” body to you?

For many, it’s a Victoria’s Secret model: thin, toned, airbrushed, and flawless. The issue with this is that those models are unrealistic. Oftentimes, it’s not even the real, unedited versions of them up on those billboards we see everywhere–everyone has flaws, even supermodels, but advertisements rarely show that. In treatment for teen girls, we often deal with girls struggling with body image issues. They tell us that they feel ugly, fat, and inadequate compared to the girls they see on television and online–but they shouldn’t.

One of the most popular dolls made for girls in the world is Barbie. Blonde, tall, beautiful, long-legged, “perfect” Barbie has been showing little girls for years what they should aspire to look like and only recently has the company begun changing their brand for the better.

Why including all shapes and sizes in toys is important

Think about this: your young daughter absolutely adores her Barbie doll, plays with it every day, and even tells you she wants “to be like Barbie”–what does that mean? At an early age, she’s looking at this doll frequently and deciding in her head that that’s how she should look, even though the actual proportions of the Barbie doll are absolutely impossible. She’s forming an image of what she should aspire to look like off of something unachievable. I don’t know about you, but to me, that seems pretty bad–it can most definitely add to the reason why treatment for teen girls with body image issues is necessary.

Now, I’m not saying that it’s all Barbie’s fault–there are advertisements, magazines, television shows, and society in general teaching young girls that they should look airbrushed and photoshopped in order to be beautiful. Barbie is a great place to start change, though.

Mattel, the company that creates Barbies, revealed at the beginning of this year that they’ll be selling Barbies of different races, heights, and sizes. The classic barbie is still available, but now there’s also the option of curvy, petite, and tall in varying skin tones, hairstyles, and eye colors. I have to say, this is an incredibly smart move as a business. Little girls want to play with things that they identity with and the regular Barbie is all they’ve ever known. Popularity of Barbie has been going down for quite some time as the world has gained a better understanding of body image issues and the link to early development.

In treatment for teen girls–and in everyday life–it’s not unusual for a girl to struggle with body image issues. That’s not how it should be.

Developing a healthy body image

This isn’t just about getting your young daughter the right toy, it’s about watching what you say and do around her as well. As parents, we have a huge influence on our children–maybe more than many know. Those little comments you make about your own weight and appearance? Those can affect her. For your daughter to develop a healthy body image, you have to show her what one looks like. You have to show her that looks aren’t everything and that being flawed is absolutely okay–even beautiful.

Solstice East offers treatment for teen girls

Solstice East offers residential treatment for teen girls, ages 14 to 18. Our girls often grapple with depression, body image issues, low self-esteem, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral problems when they come to us. In our residential treatment for teen girls, we strive to help students develop healthy habits and lead themselves back onto a path of success and happiness.

For more information about how residential treatment for teen girls at Solstice East can help your daughter, please contact us at 828-484-9946. 

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The “Beach Body”: Teenage Girl Body Image Issues Last Past Summer

The “Beach Body”: Teenage Girl Body Image Issues Last Past Summer 150 150 se_admin

It’s not hard to believe that the thought of summer for a young girl brings about teenage girl body image issues. The expectation to have the “perfect beach body” is plastered all over magazines, billboards, advertisements, and more–how could teenage girl body image issues not develop as a result? In a recent New York Times article, a study concerning the way the media and society’s expectations of women affects young girls was discussed.

The “perfect” body standard is creating teenage girl body image issues

In the article, a study from 1998 was reviewed. In the study, girls and boys were asked to go into a dressing room and either put on a sweater or a swimsuit, then they were instructed to basically take a math test. What they found was alarming. There was no difference for young men, but for young women the difference was enormous. The girls in bathing suits scored significantly lower than girls in sweaters–but why? Researchers think that if a girl is pushed to reflect on her appearance, she actually loses focus. They believe this derives from raising girls in a society which objectifies and focuses on the female body.

The media persistently pushes what the “perfect” female body looks like–which in turn creates teenage girl body image issues. In another study reviewing the effects of social media on teenage girl body image, researchers discovered that girls who spent a large amount of time appraising their friends’ images had a worse view of their own body.

Get your daughter to question the media

Obviously the media poses a threat to healthy mental development in our daughters, but we can’t just suddenly cut them off from all technology–so what can we do? Encourage your daughter to ask questions and think about the media they’re being exposed to. If they become more skeptical towards the media they’re consuming, it can impact the weight it holds when they’re forming their body image.

Solstice East can help

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for girls, ages 14 to 18, grappling with depression, anxiety, trauma, teenage girl body image issues, and other emotional or behavioral problems. We strive to help our girls develop healthy habits and lead themselves back onto a path of success and happiness.

For more information about how Solstice East treats challenges related to teenage girl body image issues, please call 828-484-9946.

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Eating Disorders in Teen Athletes

Eating Disorders in Teen Athletes 150 150 se_admin

With media today, body image in teen girls has become an increasing problem. Teens feel more pressure to fit a specific body type, which is ultimately leading to more and more issues with eating disorders in youth. As a growing number of teen girls participate in sports, health issues have begun to arise from eating disorders in teen athletes. A recent article by Reuters discussed how eating disorders in teen athletes has begun to increase, and the need for doctors and parents to be aware of the health risks.

The Female Athlete Triad

Eating disorders in teen athletes can be seen when teens exercise too much and don’t eat enough calories to maintain the amount of physical activity. The health issues associated with eating disorders in teen athletes include: disordered eating, a halt in monthly menstrual cycles known as amenorrhea, and a bone-thinning disease known as osteoporosis. These three issues are known as the female athlete triad. Girls can have just one of these problems or a combination, in varying degrees.

The Dangers of Over Training

While sports can have tremendous benefits like improved self-esteem and better physical and mental health, doctors, parents, and coaches need to be aware of eating disorder habits in teen athletes. If teens begin to train too hard, the elements of the triad can surface, which can have dangerous consequences on girl’s bodies.

Timothy Neal, a researcher with the athletic training program at Concordia University in Ann Arbor Michigan states:

“It has been my experience that coaches, parents, pediatricians and family practice physicians are not experienced in caring for athletes, and athletes themselves are not aware of the health risks unique to the triad for female athletes. Parents, athletes, pediatricians, coaches and certified athletic trainers should be aware of signs and symptoms of eating disorders, including those athletes who display signs and symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger, isolation, and other behaviors that may indicate a mental health disorder.”

Be Aware of Your Body

Being aware of your body and the signals it’s giving you is an important part of staying healthy. Teen’s and parents should be aware of the risks low-calorie intake and excessive exercise can have on the body physically and emotionally. If your worried your teen is suffering from eating disorders in teen athletes, there are programs that can help.

Solstice East can help

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for girls, ages 14 to 18, grappling with teen depression, anxiety, trauma, and other emotional or behavioral issues. We strive to help our girls lead themselves back onto a path of health and happiness.

For more information about how Solstice East handles social media addiction, please call 828-484-9946!

 

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Childhood Obesity and the Urge for Change 

Childhood Obesity and the Urge for Change  150 150 se_admin

As a parent, getting your child to eat healthy and be active can be difficult. Some youth find the act of being healthy a chore, and often fight parents on doing it. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, obesity most often develops from ages 5 to 6 or during the teen years, and studies have shown that a child who is obese between the ages of 10 and 13 has an 80 percent chance of becoming an obese adult. A recent article by the New York Times discusses the significant health risks childhood obesity has on youth.

Effects of Childhood Obesity

Life-threatening conditions like heart disease, cancer, stroke and Type 2 diabetes are more commonly heard of effecting adults, but they can also be consequences of childhood obesity. Two new studies, conducted on over half a million children, linked a childhood obesity to an increased risk of developing colon cancer and suffering from an early stroke as adults.

When is Your Child Considered Obese

Children are generally considered obese when their B.M.I. is at or above the 95th percentile for others of the same age and sex. Currently, one-third of American children are overweight or suffering with childhood obesity. In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 18 percent of children and 21 percent of adolescents were dealing with childhood obesity.

Studies on Childhood Obesity

Many people assume that children dealing with childhood obesity won’t see the effects of major health risks until later in life, if they still struggle with obesity. But studies have shown that childhood obesity starts to effect youth early on. Dr. Stephen R. Daniels, a pediatrician at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and the Children’s Hospital in Denver, found that problems in many organ systems were often apparent long before adulthood. They include high blood pressure; insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes; heart-damage and high levels of cholesterol; liver disease; obstructive sleep apnea; asthma; and excess stress on the musculoskeletal system resulting in abnormal bone development, knee and hip pain, and difficulty walking.

Youth suffering from childhood obesity are also at a greater risk for developing mental health issues. Obese adolescents have higher rates of depression, which in itself can foster poor eating and exercise patterns that add to their weight issues. They’re also more likely to have poor body image and self-esteem.

Urge for Change

This information reveals the critical importance on promoting healthy eating habits and exercise patterns in all youth. Parents should encourage children to be active and make healthy decisions, without labeling them as overweight or obese. Commenting on kid’s weight can actually harm their self-esteem, increasing their unhealthy habits. It is important that parents encourage kids by changing their environment and creating opportunities for them to be active.

Solstice East can help

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for girls, ages 14 to 18, grappling with teen depression, anxiety, trauma, and other emotional or behavioral issues. We strive to help our girls lead themselves back onto a path of health and happiness.

For more information about how Solstice East handles social media addiction, please call 828-484-9946!

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ESPN’s Body Image Issue Promotes Discussion

ESPN’s Body Image Issue Promotes Discussion 150 150 se_admin

NUDE ATHLETES!

Now that we have your attention… The release of ESPN’s Body Issue presents an opportunity to discuss body image issues.  Originally, ESPN’s Body Issue was an assumed response to Sports Illustrated highly successful Swimsuit Issue, offering the then-fledgling magazine an opportunity to show some skin like its SI competitor.  Since the first issue 7 years ago the Body Issue has afforded athletes the opportunity to showcase their bodies as vehicles for achieving greatness in their respective endeavors.  It also provides a chance for these athletes to reflect the body image issues we all face. 

This ESPN issue has been useful for raising awareness about our collective body image anxiety and how “perfect” bodies portrayed in media negatively impacts personal perceptions.

The athletes in this year’s edition all reflect varying levels of fear and concern about their body image—certain aspects of their bodies that could be bigger, smaller, tighter, better developed.  This from athletes who have all gained renown for how their bodies have helped them achieve greatness.  Imagine how to rest of us mere mortals must feel about our body image by comparison.

We are barraged with photo-shopped images of celebrities, stars, and even their friends posting to Facebook and Instagram, the statements made by these world-class athletes can only help with body image issues.

Vince Wilfork, NFL nose tackle and All Pro on his body image: “I just want people to see me and know it’s OK to be who you are.  Don’t let anyone take your worth.”

Courtney Conlogue, pro surfer, on feeling strong:  For me, there was a long time when I was a little self-conscious…I was super bulky and built up. But I learned to embrace who I am and what I look like as an athlete, to be strong about who I am and feel good about what I am.”

April Ross, pro volleyball player on how her body helps her perform: Everyone was always like “Your quad muscles are so big!” As a female, you can go either way with that — “Oh, you’re calling my legs big?” But I always took it as a huge compliment, like, “I’m strong, I can jump — thank you!”

Christen Press, U.S. Womens soccer player reflecting body image issues: In this day and age, it’s really hard for women to love their bodies. We’re bombarded by images of perfect bodies all the time. I’ve spent a lot of time being insecure about my body, but it’s done so much for me. It’s my tool, my vessel for my job. I’m very grateful for the way that I feel when I play — I feel very powerful, I feel fast, I feel unstoppable, and that’s because of my body. 

Dwayne Wade, NBA star, with body image fears: To me, doing the Body Issue is bigger than looking at an athlete’s body. It’s more about the story we are telling of overcoming my fear of doing this. I had a fear of being naked in front of others and a fear of being judged. So to me, overcoming that is the biggest thing. Someone may look at me and think, “Why would you have insecurity?” Well, this is real life and I’m human, and these are the things that I deal with that many others might deal with.

Nearing the end of decade one with the ESPN Body Issue, ESPN has helped demonstrate how athletic bodies are tools for achievement and how these bodies come in all shapes, sizes, and forms.  There is beauty in the strength.  Offering athletes whose job it is to pay attention to every detail of their bodies and yet who still struggle with body image issues is incredibly powerful to those of us who have different vocations.  

 

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Healthy Habits for Teens: Avoiding Sports Drinks

Healthy Habits for Teens: Avoiding Sports Drinks 150 150 se_admin

One would think that one of the healthy habits for teens would be to drink sports drinks instead of sodas–but as BBC just reported, they actually pose a threat to student health. Common sports drinks are high in sugar and promote tooth decay and obesity. Many students believe that sports drinks are healthier for you; while in reality they’re made to consume after highly-intensive work outs and sporting activities, if consumed otherwise, it’s just like drinking a soda.

How have sports drinks become one of the ‘healthy habits for teens’?

Sports drinks frequently are labeled and marketed to target younger audiences, even though they’re highly unnecessary for students and the majority of adults. Only in few situations are sports drinks actually helpful for active performance. They’re not marketed this way, though, which is why so many youth drink them.

“Elite athletes might have reason to use them, but for almost everyone else they represent a real risk to both their oral and their general health.” –Russ Ladwa, from the British Dental Association

In the UK, they’re striving to change promotional content so that sports drinks don’t target the average student. Officials believe this will help majorly in developing healthy habits for teens in the areas of obesity and dental care.

Though this was brought to attention in the UK, it’s a large issue in the US as well. Sports drinks are really only helpful for some elite athletes, not school-age teens involved in sports. To combat this, there needs to be further education on the effects of high intakes of sugar–from sports drinks, soft drinks, etc.–and healthy alternatives to favored drinks. When discussing healthy habits for teens, students should be informed on the best ways to stay hydrated and healthy. It has been shown that milk or water is fully sufficient in quenching a teenager’s thirst and health needs–so there’s no real need for an excess amount of sports drinks.

Solstice East can help

Solstice East is a residential treatment center for girls, ages 14 to 18, grappling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and other emotional or behavioral problems. We strive to help our girls develop healthy habits for teens and lead themselves back onto a path of success and happiness.

For more information about Solstice East, please call 828-484-9946.

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