Food & Nutrition
Toxic stress + bad diet = HUGE PROBLEMS
Dear Straight Talk: I have the opportunity to observe teenagers without being a teacher, administrator or counselor. I notice three things: 1) Those getting into trouble have stressful home lives and parent issues. 2) These kids commonly…
16 Comments
Safe schools — panel weighs in with solutions
Dear Readers: The best ‘in-school’ solution I know to make schools places where kids are welcomed by their peers, versus places of harm, is the “Safe School Ambassadors” program. The program works with human nature:…
2 Comments
Brother’s “disgusting” diet worries Sis
Dear Straight Talk: I am 21, my little brother is 15. We are very close. The problem is he lives with our dad and my dad and his wife aren't food conscious like my mom, who shops organic. They let him eat candy, fast food, and drink…
1 Comment
Four Loko a recipe for adolescent disaster
DEAR STRAIGHT TALK: I’m in college and “Simon,” who is over 21, is throwing a New Year’s party. He bought two cases of Four Loko after it was banned and plans to…
3 Comments
Animal lover’s question ignites passions
DEAR STRAIGHT TALK: I’m an animal lover and try to do what’s right by animals, whether volunteering at a shelter or donating to animal charities. Recently I visited with
Caffeine overdose blues
DEAR STRAIGHT TALK: I’m 16. Does anyone have advice for how to get off caffeine? Every day I need a coffee or energy drink fix, usually more than once. I feel so sluggish without…
1 Comment
Poor health and lots of it
DEAR STRAIGHT TALK: I’m 20 and just got diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I’m not even overweight. A friend has something wrong with her thyroid. Another takes high blood pressure…
5 Comments
Millennial Generation creating a kinder, smarter world—Part I
DEAR READERS: The young people on this panel range from age 12 to 24. They are part of the Millennial Generation, born from 1982- 2001. The most striking thing about “Milllennials” is that they grew…
2 Comments
Girl piles on pounds, parents at a loss
DEAR STRAIGHT TALK: I’m concerned about my 14-year-old daughter. She is rapidly gaining weight and is now 130 lbs at only 5’1”. She eats obsessively, sometimes hiding…
2 Comments
Poor health the biggest issue facing teens
DEAR STRAIGHT TALK: I read your column on gray hair in teens (APR 1) and have personally observed the non-stop competitiveness of school, sports, and “always-on”…
