S3 Unit 2

Ch 2 Text 1 (Book Extract)

Chapter 51 — Experience vibrant health

As a teen, you have a remarkable advantage: youth and vibrancy. Your body is young and strong. Unfortunately, however, many teens minimize this gift by filling their bodies with junk food and failing to get adequate exercise. This is sort of like putting heavy ankle weights on a champion athlete. The result is you end up feeling just 'okay' rather than fantastic.

As you know, being a teen can be pretty tough. Feeling just 'okay' doesn't make things any easier. Can you imagine, however, the edge you would have and how much easier life might seem if, instead of feeling 'okay,' you felt great?

What do you think about trying to become as healthy as possible as an experiment? You lo can start by learning everything you can about nutrition and exercise. Visit the library. Read books and health-related magazines. Next, talk to your doctor and come up with a plan that seeks to maximize your physical health. Find out from an expert if there are foods that you're eating that may be contributing to a lack of energy and vitality, anxiety, depression, or mood swings. See if there are foods or vitamins that you could be is consuming that might add to your physical health. Ask about how exercise might increase your sense of well-being, which, in my mind, translates into optimism and happiness.

Source: Taken from Richard Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens: Simple Ways to Keep Your Cool in Stressful Times

Ch 2 Text 2 (Book review)

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens: Simple Ways to Keep Your Cool in Stressful Times

Written by Richard Carlson, PhD, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens is a collection of suggestions for how to deal with life as a teenager. The 100 short chapters offer plenty of advice, such as 'Be OK with Your Bad Hair Day' and 'Remember to be Kind'.

Throughout the book, Carlson offers warm and wise advice. He makes the point that if you can avoid getting worried about the 'small stuff', then dealing with the more difficult, 'big' issues will be easier. The book is also full of humour, and the added stories from the author's own teenage years give it a personal touch.

Though targeted at teenagers, young adults ought to try it too. And if I were the io parent of a teenager, I'd definitely find it a good read.

Stephen Lee

Ch 2 Text 3 (Poem)

Give Yourself a Hug   

by Grace Nichols

Give yourself a hug

when you feel unloved

Give yourself a hug

when people put on airs

to make you feel a bug

Give yourself a hug

when everyone seems to give you

a cold-shoulder shrug

Give yourself a hug —

a big big hug

And keep on singing

‘Only one in a million like me Only one in a million-billion-trillion-zillion

like me.'

Ch 2 Text 5 (Personal Letter)

Dear Aunt Annie

I'm writing to you as I think I'm suffering from stress. Recently I've been feeling really anxious and I can't concentrate at school. I'm short-tempered too — I often find myself getting angry at people over minor things.

I've also been sleeping really badly. I lie awake for hours most nights, so I'm tired all the time. This doesn't help at school either.

When I spoke to a friend, she told me to try sleeping pills and said she could get me some. Another friend told me to have some of my dad's whisky before I go to bed at Inight. I'm pretty sure this is not good advice — I mean, if I took drugs or used alcohol, is my parents would be very upset. But I'm tempted because things really can't go on this way any longer.

What should I do, Aunt Annie? I'm desperate.

Pattie

Ch 2 Text 6 (Letter of Advice)

Dear Pattie

Thank you for your letter. I'm very sorry to hear about your problems and I hope I can give you some advice that will help you.

You mentioned you were feeling stressed. This is quite a common problem amongst secondary students, but don't worry — there are things you can do about it. co you do much exercise? A sports scientist once advised me to do regular exercise. She said that physical activity releases chemicals in your brain called endorphins which help you to feel happy. You don't have to do exercise every day to get these benefits, so you ought to give it a try. I think you should also try some deep-breathing exercises. If you feel anxious or angry, go somewhere quiet and take a few deep breaths. This will help you to relax.

You also said that you're not sleeping well. If I were you, I would loot: at my bedroom. make sure it's dart: and quiet. You should also think about what you do before you go to bed. You mustn't drink coffee or other drinks that contain caffeine — definitely Keep you awake. You also have to get into the habit of doing something restful before going to bed. You could read a boot:k or listen to relaxing music. You shouldn't ever play video games at night as they don't help you wind down.

As for taking sleeping pills or drinking alcohol, you must ignore this suggestion. You should never take prescription drugs without medical advice, as they can be dangerous. Nor is alcohol the answer to your problems. It's bad for your health and won't help with your sleeping problems. Of course, drinking alcohol at your age is also illegal. I'd have a cup of chamomile tea if I were you — it'll help you to relax.

I hope this advice is valuable. Please write to me again if you need any more help.

Aunt Annie