Alcohol Use-A Fact Sheet for Parents

Number FS028

As parents or guardians of teenagers, what should you know about alcohol use? Alcohol is the drug most often used and abused by teenagers; Alcohol use includes beer, wine, wine coolers, hard liquor, ...

Media and Body Image

Number FS014

Media play a large role in young people’s lives today, including television and music (radio and recordings), videos and movies, computers, print media, and video games. Along with many positive asp...

Internet Safety - A Fact Sheet for Parents

Number FS031

The Internet, including web sites, e-mail, chat rooms, social networking web sites, and instant messaging, is increasingly part of young people’s lives. Risks of Internet use by adolescents are an in...

Menstrual Periods

Number FS016

What is a menstrual period? Vaginal bleeding that occurs in adolescent girls and women as a result of hormonal changes. It usually happens in a predictable pattern, once a month, and is a sign you a...

Menstrual Cramps and Dysmenorrhea

Number FS015

What causes menstrual cramps? When most girls begin their menstrual cycles, muscle cramps in the uterus are caused by contractions that lead to discomfort and pain. The body produces a chemical call...

Media and Body Image - A Fact Sheet for Parents

Number FS032

How can the media have an impact on a teenager’s body image? Media play a large, and often negative, role in shaping young women’s ideas about how they should look, including television and music (r...

Internet Safety

Number FS012

What are the risks of using the Internet? All kinds of material are on the web. You may come across material that is inappropriate and disturbing, including sexual, violent, drug-promoting, or other...

Driving Safety - A Fact Sheet for Teens and Parents

Number FS007

Why is auto safety an issue for teenagers? Motor vehicle accidents (car crashes) are the number one cause of death among young people aged 16–20 years Motor vehicle accidents are a significant cause ...

Do You Have an Adolescent Girl in Your Family

We care about her health. Girls should first visit a gynecologist for health promotion, education, and prevention when they are 13–15 years old. Most girls do not need a pelvic examination at this ti...

Depression - A Fact Sheet for Parents

Number FS029

What is depression? Depression is a set of feelings of sadness, loss of pleasure, helplessness, and hopelessness that persist over time, for at least 2 weeks. Depression can be associated with al...