Total Teen Health and Wellness: A Doctor's Guide for Parents

Therapy is an important part of mental health care for teenagers. Patients improve  more when they are connected to a therapist who helps them build healthy coping skills, work on relationship issues and improve their self esteem. There are many different approaches to therapy in teens. Today, Dr. Shanna Garza, Adolescent Medicine physician and expert explains why therapy is helpful for her patients and why she refers them for therapy. Parents, listen to learn more and to see if therapy might help your young adult child.

Parents are the ultimate teachers for their kids and can be role models by showing balance with food, body and exercise. Following up Episode #23 on Why Diets are Not Good for Teens, this episode reviews how parents can help their teen and young adult children see food, nutriton and exercise in a more balanced way. Dr. Shanna Garza, Adolescent Medicine physician and expert, provides parents pearls to guide these discussions and cautions on talking about diet, weight loss and body image with their children. Here are few books to guide healthy discussions around these issues:The Intuitive Eating Workbook for Teens: A Non-Diet, Body Positive Approach to Building a Healthy Relationship with Foodby Elyse ReschHealth At Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weightby Linda BaconAnti-Diet: Reclaim Your Time, Money, Well-Being, and Happiness Through Intuitive Eatingby Christy Harrison MPH RD

The diet industry targets teenagers during this time of new years' resolutions through social media and marketing. Dieting is never a good idea for teenagers who are still growing and developing. Dieting, which is essentially restrictive eating and weight suppression, increases the risk of developing eating disorders. There are many medical concerns with weight loss and restrictive nutrition in adolescents. Parents, listen to this episode to learn more! Dr. Shanna Garza, Adolescent Medicine physician and host of Total Teen Health and Wellness, explains the risk of dieting on teen health and wellness.

Parents hear scary stories in the news every week about drug overdoses in teens related to prescription pill misuse. 10% of teenagers report misusing a prescription drug in the last six months. Now, the risk is even greater given how many pills are counterfeit and laced with fentanyl. Dr. Shanna Garza, Adolescent Medicine expert, reviews the risks of prescription drug abuse in teenagers and how parents can help their teens stay safe. To learn more about the risk of marijuana use in Teenaager and young adults, check out my last episide: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1751064/episodes/11439820Find and follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-teen-health-and-wellness-a-doctors-guide-for-parents/id1561803110

Teenagers and young adults have easy access to marijuana, and many are using cannabis frequently and heavily. Chronic use of marijuana has higher risks to young people due to the developing teen brain. Dr. Shanna Garza reviews medical and mental health risks that are more significant in adolescents. Parents, listen to learn more about the possible effects heavy marijuana use can have for your teen and young adult children. There are higher rates of depression, anxiety, psychosis and schizophrenia, leading to a very significant negative impact on adolescent mental health. 

In honor of September being National Suicide Prevention Month, Dr. Shanna Garza discusses risk factors and warnings signs for suicide in teenagers and young adults. There are many mental health and medical risk factors for which patients need to get care. In Adolescent Medicine, we treat patients for all types of mental health issues which helps prevent the risk for suicide. Parents want to know the warning signs for suicide in their teen children. Dr. Garza, Adolescent Medicine physician and expert, provides helpful guidance for parents to be informed and know when to get their children help.

In Adolescent Medicine, we are often the first doctors to address patient concerns related to women's health and gynecology. In this episode, Dr. Shanna Garza, Adolescent Medicine physician and expert, reviews common gynecology concerns she treats in teenagers and young adults. Common concerns include many different issues related to periods, pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, vulvar pain and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).  Listen to learn more about how to get your teenager the help they need!Listen to recent episodes addressing other women's health and sexuality concerns:Contraception in Teens:https://totalteenhealthandwellness.buzzsprout.com/1751064/10903344-16-contraception-options-for-teenagers-learn-how-to-help-your-teen-prevent-pregnancyHealthy Sexuality in Teens:https://totalteenhealthandwellness.buzzsprout.com/1751064/10983539-17-healthy-sexuality-in-teenagers-is-your-teen-ready-to-have-sex-and-stay-safeSexually Transmitted Infections:https://totalteenhealthandwellness.buzzsprout.com/1751064/11027290-18-sexually-transmitted-infections-what-your-teenager-or-young-adult-child-needs-to-know

Sexually transmitted infections (STI's) are common infections in sexually active teens. Many teens don't know that they are infected or that they have been exposed. Dr. Shanna Garza, Adolescent Medicine physician and clinic director of Girls to Women/Young Men's Health- McKinney, reviews commonly occuring STI's. Teens need to know how to prevent STI's, when to be checked and how to be treated. Check out this episode to learn more about how to help your kids get the care they need regarding their sexual health. Consider sharing the episode with your teen or young adult child too! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-teen-health-and-wellness-a-doctors-guide-for-parents/id1561803110

Parents of teenagers and young adults can start the conversation around healthy sexuality with their children. Dr. Shanna Garza, Adolescent Medicine expert and host of Total Teen Health and Wellness, guides parents on what questions to ask to make sure their teens are ready to have sex. Open communication between parents and teenagers helps teens understand their own values around sex and really think through their readiness for sex. Listen to learn more in this concise and informative episode!Subscribe on Apple Podcasts to learn more:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-teen-health-and-wellness-a-doctors-guide-for-parents/id1561803110

Many Adolescent patients and their parents are very concerned about having access to effective contraception to prevent pregnancy. Given the recent ban on access to abortion in many states, including Texas, sexually active teenagers and young people are wanting to know more about their options and how to access effective contraception. Dr. Shanna Garza, Adolescent Medicine expert, provides concise guidance and recommendations for teens to optimally manage their sexual and reproductive health. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-teen-health-and-wellness-a-doctors-guide-for-parents/id1561803110

Parents of incoming college freshman often are overwhelmed getting their children ready for college. Seeing a doctor over the summer for a pre-college visit is an important task to check off during this process. Dr. Shanna Garza, Adolescent Medicine expert and host of Total Teen Health and Wellness, reviews what is typically covered in this type of visit. These visits review potential safety issues related to sexuality, alcohol and other substances. Guidance is provided to empower young adults to manage their health and medical issues. Vaccinations are updated and medical screening is completed, much of this is required by colleges. Listen to learn more how parents can help their college age students be well prepared for college and stay well, both physically and mentally.

Every parent of a student athlete knows summer is the time to get all of the forms signed for school! The Pre-participation Screening Exam is required in most schools for teen athletes and students to participate in any physical activity at school. In Adolescent Medicine, we spend a lot of time in summer completing these exams and getting kids ready for the upcoming school year. Dr. Shanna Garza, Adolescent Medicine physician and host of Total Teen Health and Wellness, discusses why this exam is so important for teen athletes. The pre-participation exam helps us screen patients for heart conditions, risk of fainting, risk of concussion, risk of injury and eating disorders. For some patients, this may be one of the few times they are seen by a doctor so it's a great opportunity for preventive care!

Listen to learn why teenagers and young people need a yearly wellness preventive visit. Dr. Shanna Garza, Adolescent Medicine physician and host of Total Teen Health and Wellness, reviews all of the important things covered in these visits. It's not just an important time to review the physical health of your teen child, but also a critical time to assess mental health, the risk for substance use, healthy sexuality, nutrition issues and more. Summer is a great time to get this scheduled for the teen or young adult in your life! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-teen-health-and-wellness-a-doctors-guide-for-parents/id1561803110

Atypical Anorexia is a common eating disorder of which it may be challenging for parents to be aware.  Patients often do not have weight loss and may actually be at a normal weight. Dr. Shanna Garza, Adolescent Medicine physician, offers important information to help parents learn more. Parents need to be observant of eating disorder behaviors and really listen to how their teen and young adult children speak about food, eating, exercise and body image. This condition can also be hard for clinicians to identify unless they ask the right questions about eating disorder thoughts and behaviors. Patients with atypical anorexia may have many of the same serious medical and mental health complications of other eating disorders. Listen to learn more about this condition and how to help your teen children get the help they need!Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast listening app: https://totalteenhealthandwellness.buzzsprout.com/Listen to episode #10- Intro to Eating Disordershttps://totalteenhealthandwellness.buzzsprout.com/1751064/9438239-10-intro-to-eating-disorders-how-parents-can-help-identify-disordered-eating-behaviors-and-get-their-teens-help

Eating disorders affect teenage and young adult patients' mental health and their physical health, leading to many symptoms and possible complications. Dr. Shanna Garza, Adolescent Medicine expert, discusses how eating disorders affect patients medically. Parents need to know what to watch out for regarding medical issues and complications in their teens. This episode reviews typical symptoms and complications related to eating disorders and what to expect when you see an eating disorder-oriented physician.  Stay tuned for follow up episodes in this series focused on the care of eating disorders. Subscribe to the podcast to stay informed and hear the latest episode. Find us here or on your favorite podcast listening app:https://totalteenhealthandwellness.buzzsprout.com/Subscribe, share and rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-teen-health-and-wellness-a-doctors-guide-for-parents/id1561803110#adolescentmedicine #eatingdisordertreatment #eatingdisorders #eatingdisordercare #EDcare #EDtreatment #EDrecovery #recovery #mentalhealth #eatingdisorderrecovery  #edwarrior #eatingdisorder #mentalhealthawareness #selflove #intuitiveeating #bodypositivity #bodypositive #eatingdisorderawareness #parentsofeatingdisorders #parentingteens #parentingteenagers #foodisfuel

Eating disorders affect many children, teenagers and young adults. They are one of the most deadly mental health conditions due to medical complications and suicide. It's critical that parents know what to look for in their children and when to get help. Finding professionals well-versed and informed in eating disorder care is very important to start the path of recovery. Dr. Shanna Garza, Adolescent Medicine expert and host of Total Teen Health and Wellness, discusses the basics of eating disorder diagnosis and treatment. This episode is an introductory episode to a 7 part series on eating disorder issues in teens. Find us here or on your favorite podcast listening app:https://totalteenhealthandwellness.buzzsprout.com/Subscribe, share and rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-teen-health-and-wellness-a-doctors-guide-for-parents/id1561803110#adolescentmedicine #eatingdisordertreatment #eatingdisorders #eatingdisordercare #EDcare #EDtreatment #EDrecovery #recovery #mentalhealth #eatingdisorderrecovery  #edwarrior #eatingdisorder #mentalhealthawareness #selflove #intuitiveeating #bodypositivity #bodypositive #eatingdisorderawareness 

Puberty in children and teenagers is a process of physical, emotional and psychological growth. Parents often wonder if what their child is experiencing is a normal part of development. Dr. Shanna Garza, host of Total Teen Health and Wellness, offers guidance to parents to know what to expect as their kids develop and when to get help. The pre-teen and teen years can be a challenging time for kids to adjust to their changing bodies and to find the right fit with their peers. Parents can help their kids better understand their bodies and offer reassurance that most of what teens experience is very normal. It's helpful for parents to let their children know that they also felt a certain way or faced the same issues when they were their age.Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-teen-health-and-wellness-a-doctors-guide-for-parents/id1561803110Learn more about the Turning Teen Program:https://turningteen.com/Register for a Turning Teen workshop in Texas:https://turningteen.com/register-for-a-workshop-in-texas/

Vaccination against COVID-19 helps protect teens from infection, serious complications and hospitalization. The current COVID-19 vaccine is effective and should be given to all teenagers age 12 and older. Now is a critical time for more teenagers to receive this vaccine, given the surge with the Delta variant and the start of school. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccination and why it's vital that adolescents get this vaccine now. Dr. Shanna Garza, Adolescent Medicine expert and mother of two, talks about the importance of timely vaccination and why children and teens should be immunized against COVID-19.Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast-listening app! If you enjoyed listening today, please review and rate the Total Teen Health and Wellness podcast. Consider sharing it with other parents of teenagers who would like to learn more about the medical and mental health issues in their children.https://totalteenhealthandwellness.buzzsprout.com/Link to find resources for the vaccination near you:https://www.vaccines.gov/search/?gclid=CjwKCAjwo4mIBhBsEiwAKgzXOIh75a2u3W6wmgb3KX3k4v3exeRQNpyqoZ5fo4uByZOrX999HW5pABoC8e4QAvD_BwENeed help finding a vaccine in the U.S.? Call 1-800-232-0233

Self-harm or self-injury affects 15% of teenagers today.  In this episode, Dr. Shanna Garza, Adolescent Medicine physician and expert, discusses how self-harm stems from maladaptive coping skills. Teens who self harm often have underlying mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders or a history of trauma. Parents are understandably concerned if they learn their kids are cutting or scratching as a form of coping. Parents of teens can learn how to help their children manage this issue. Parenting teenagers takes open communication and unconditional support, and Dr. Garza offers helpful guidance to parents with children who self-harm.Check out the podcast website to find more episodes on mental health issues affecting teenagers today. Subscribe to the podcast to hear the latest episode. Share with parents of teenagers! Your reviews and ratings are appreciated!https://totalteenhealthandwellness.buzzsprout.com/

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects many teenagers and young adults and impacts their functioning in school, work and home life. Adolescent Medicine expert and Total Teen Health and Wellness- A Doctor's Guide for Parents host, Dr. Shanna Garza, educates parents on the symptoms of ADHD and on tools to help patients improve. Mental health issues, including ADHD, are related to brain health. Treatment focuses on treating these underlying brain issues, as well as helping patients build tools to improve their academic functioning, organizational skills, time management skills and executive functioning.Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast-listening app! If you enjoyed listening today, please review and rate the Total Teen Health and Wellness podcast. Consider sharing it with other parents of teenagers who would like to learn more about the medical and mental health issues in their children.https://totalteenhealthandwellness.buzzsprout.com/Subscribe, rate and share this podcast on Apple Podcasts/Itunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-teen-health-and-wellness-a-doctors-guide-for-parents/id1561803110Follow on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7tZ4clwoJY3xEJSnoIqqcrSubscribe on Google Podcasts:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xNzUxMDY0LnJzcw==

School avoidance affects 5% of children and teens. Many patients are refusing to go to school because of physical symptoms such as headache and stomache which are commonly due to anxiety. Parents often seek medical advice to make sure their children are well and can return to school. Adolescent Medicine expert, Dr. Shanna Garza, reviews what common issues underly school avoidance and how to get help for your child.Link to Episode #1 on Self Care:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-encouraging-healthy-self-care-habits-in-teens/id1561803110?i=1000517858151Learn more at:https://totalteenhealthandwellness.buzzsprout.com/Subscribe, rate and share this podcast on Apple Podcasts/Itunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-teen-health-and-wellness-a-doctors-guide-for-parents/id1561803110Follow on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7tZ4clwoJY3xEJSnoIqqcrSubscribe on Google Podcasts:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xNzUxMDY0LnJzcw==

Anxiety in teenagers is at very high levels and increasing. One in three teenagers will experience anxiety during the middle school and high school years. Parenting teens with anxiety can be hard, and it's important to get support and guidance. Total Teen Health and Wellness host, Dr. Shanna Garza, reviews how anxiety affects teenagers' overall physical and mental health. https://totalteenhealthandwellness.buzzsprout.com/Subscribe, rate and share this podcast on Apple Podcasts/Itunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-teen-health-and-wellness-a-doctors-guide-for-parents/id1561803110Follow on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7tZ4clwoJY3xEJSnoIqqcrSubscribe on Google Podcasts:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xNzUxMDY0LnJzcw==

Depression in teenagers is increasing due to the stress and social isolation of COVID. Teens are wired to be connected to their peers so this past year has really impacted their mental health and led to a crisis of depression and suicide. Parents need to know the warning signs of depression and how to get help. Total Teen Health and Wellness host, Dr. Shanna Garza, offers helpful guidance to parents to better understand how depression may be affecting their teen children.https://totalteenhealthandwellness.buzzsprout.com/Subscribe, rate and share this podcast on Apple Podcasts/Itunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-teen-health-and-wellness-a-doctors-guide-for-parents/id1561803110Follow on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7tZ4clwoJY3xEJSnoIqqcrSubscribe on Google Podcasts:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xNzUxMDY0LnJzcw==

Sleep is critically important for normal development and healthy growth in teens. Lack of sleep affects teenagers' mental and physical well-being. Dr. Shanna Garza, host of Total Teen Health and Wellness, reviews how important sleep is for adolescent health and gives practical advice on how to help your teen get better sleep.https://totalteenhealthandwellness.buzzsprout.com/Subscribe, rate and share this podcast on Apple Podcasts/Itunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-teen-health-and-wellness-a-doctors-guide-for-parents/id1561803110Follow on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7tZ4clwoJY3xEJSnoIqqcrSubscribe on Google Podcasts:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xNzUxMDY0LnJzcw==

Self care helps teenagers improve their physical and mental health. It's what teens do day-to day in caring for themselves that impacts their well-being and health. Self care shows teens how to effectively manage their stress and to build healthy ways of coping.  Total Teen Health and Wellness host, Dr. Shanna Garza, reviews important guidance to encourage your teen to improve their self care.https://totalteenhealthandwellness.buzzsprout.com/Subscribe, rate and share this podcast on Apple Podcasts/Itunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/total-teen-health-and-wellness-a-doctors-guide-for-parents/id1561803110Follow on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7tZ4clwoJY3xEJSnoIqqcrSubscribe on Google Podcasts:https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8xNzUxMDY0LnJzcw==

Total Teen Health and Wellness is a guide to parents to better understand various medical and mental health issues in their teenage children. Dr. Shanna Garza, the host and an Adolescent Medicine physician expert, provides helpful guidance and important education to parents of teens. Listen to learn more about what's ahead for Total Teen Health and Wellness.Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast listening app. Share it with other parents of teenagers and young adults who are interested in learning more about the health and wellness of their children.