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Teens in each generation develop a unique language of their own. Over the years, parents have heard terms ranging from “outta sight” and “phat,” to things like “sick” and “gag me with a spoon.” Every decade has been marked by its special phrases that quickly grow outdated (and might just become “cheugy”) to the teens of the future. But even while being a part of youth culture (and the slang that defines it) when you’re young, it can get harder and harder to keep up with the latest teen jargon by the time you’re the parent of one....

Binge eating—or bingeing—is defined as eating a large volume of food at one time and feeling as if you have no control over the amount of food you consume. Binge eating disorder is often diagnosed when bingeing occurs at least once a week for three months. Many people regard binge eating as a relatively benign eating disorder, especially in comparison to the severe food restriction of anorexia or purging seen with bulimia....

Your brain, in all its complexity, relies on an intricate balance of chemicals and interactions. When the brain is working correctly, we adapt and behave appropriately within our environments, learning and adjusting as necessary. When stressors upset this balance, the brain adapts to them in a process called allostasis. Addiction is one such stressor, causing chemical changes that move the brain from homeostasis to allostasis and disrupt its normal functioning....

While the vast majority of pregnancies have no major issues, the entire system of prenatal care is designed to screen for potential complications and help prevent those that can be avoided. Through a series of prenatal checks—monitoring your blood pressure, urine, blood, and weight; measuring your fundus (top of the uterus), and a variety of other things—your doctor tries to keep you and your baby healthy so that you can have the safest pregnancy and birth possible....

Social skills training (SST) is a type of behavioral therapy used to improve social skills in people with mental disorders or developmental disabilities. SST may be used by teachers, therapists, or other professionals to help those with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and other diagnoses. It is delivered either individually or in a group format, usually once or twice a week, and is often used as one component of a combined treatment program....

There are many light box products on the market that claim to help seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but here is what you should know before you invest in one. Not all light boxes meet the recommended requirements for treating SAD. What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons. The current formal diagnosis is major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern....

Though virtually everyone experiences stress, sometimes the way we react to stress amounts to self sabotage. We’ve all found ourselves being impatient with people or taking out frustrations on innocent bystanders, or causing unnecessary conflicts and mental stress because stress is clouding our judgment. And while some people find themselves creating this type of drama in their lives occasionally, others make this self sabotage a way of life, continually creating additional mental and emotional stress for themselves without being aware of their own role in this....

Many of a child’s daily activities involve the use of fine motor skills like getting dressed, opening a lunchbox, and using a pencil. These skills, which involve coordinated efforts between their fingers, hands, and eyes, begin with grasping a rattle and the raking finger grasp as a baby and eventually evolve to more complex skills like using scissors, manipulating a computer mouse, and even playing a musical instrument. Learn why these skills are important and how to help your child build on these skills....

If you’re looking for a therapist for your child, it’s likely that you’re feeling overwhelmed. It is hard to watch your child struggling and feel like it’s out of your hands. But just as you’d take your child to the doctor for a broken bone, think of taking your child to a therapist the same way. While much of looking for a therapist for your child is the same as looking for a therapist for yourself or another adult, there are a few other things you might want to consider as you’re looking—from other resources, such as their guidance counselor, to how involved you want to be....

While money is a relatively common cause of stress and marital tension, a serious global economic downturn can have many people concerned about losing their home or their savings—or both. If you’re finding yourself stressed about money, the following steps can lead you to a greater sense of peace, and a brighter financial future. Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts Press Play for Advice On Dealing With Money Issues...

If you have borderline personality disorder (BPD) and also have kids, you may wonder, is BPD genetic? While BPD does have a strong genetic component, your children most likely will not get borderline personality disorder. It’s true that if you have BPD, your kids are at greater risk of having the condition themselves. But, there is also a good chance that they will not have it. And, there are things you can do to reduce their risk....

Every baby will be a little different, but most parents can expect that their little one will be ready to sit up in a high chair around 4 to 6 months. Many parents are eager for this time because transitioning into a chair can free you up a little in the kitchen and at the table. It also lets your baby join in some of the family’s activities, which is great for social development....

This is never a topic that anyone wants to encounter or discuss in their lifetime. However, the fact remains that, as rare and devastating as it is, babies do die. And, if you’re a breastfeeding mother, you will have the painful reminder that your body is still working for the baby: leaking breasts, let-down discomfort, breast engorgement (potentially leading to mastitis, or infection, if not managed properly). So, what happens next?...

Loneliness is a universal human emotion that is both complex and unique to each individual. Because it has no single common cause, the prevention and treatment of this potentially damaging state of mind can vary dramatically. For example, a lonely child who struggles to make friends at school has different needs than a lonely older adult whose spouse has recently died. This article discusses what we mean by the term “lonely,” as well as the various causes, health consequences, symptoms, and potential treatments for loneliness....

As people age, brain health can become an increasing concern. A recently published study in Circulation has demonstrated links between cardiovascular risk factors in childhood through middle age and poorer brain health in middle age in a study of only White participants. Key Takeaways By middle age, cardiovascular risk factors as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity from childhood were associated with reduced memory, learning, visual processing, attention span, and reaction and movement time....

Making the decision to quit smoking is perhaps the best decision you can make for your health. While it won’t be easy, it will be worth it. As of Dec. 20, 2019, the legal age limit is 21 years old for purchasing cigarettes, cigars, or any other tobacco products in the U.S. Yes, it takes work and yes, it takes some time. That said, the hard part happens early on, and with some understanding about what’s ahead and the support to get through it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that recovery from nicotine addiction is doable and a finite task....

If you have borderline personality disorder (BPD), it can constantly feel like you’re out of control. You may feel erratic, frustrated and upset. However, through treatment plans like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), you can begin to manage your symptoms and get more control. A major part of DBT is an emphasis on mindfulness, helping you become more aware of your feelings, thoughts, motivations and your surroundings. You may find that mindfulness is more easily achieved when you have structured activities and a regular schedule....

No matter which water activity is your favorite—whether it’s paddleboarding, white-water rafting, kayaking, or jet skiing—wearing a life vest can help to keep you safe. “You may choose to use a life vest anytime you or your child is near any water, including a pool or beach,” Chris DeJong, founder of Big Blue Swim School, says. “Life vests are specifically designed to keep someone afloat, turning the wearer face-up with their mouth and nostrils above water....

Leggings are a must-have for many runners, but finding the right pair is key. Since runners tend to get sweaty, no matter the season, they need leggings made with moisture-wicking fabrics to stay dry and prevent chafing. Leggings should also have the right amount of compression without feeling too tight. “Running leggings should have a good, snug fit so that they stay in place and don’t creep down during runs,” Lauren Sheu, an RRCA-certified running coach and the owner and founder of Running for Wellness, says....

Whether or not your child is an athlete, it’s important that they drink enough water. Proper hydration is essential to every system in our bodies. Your child’s exact water intake needs can vary based on their height and weight, biological sex, activity level, and even the weather. If that sounds like a lot, remember that total water intake recommendations include all sources—drinking water, other beverages, and food. Some kids will get more or less water from food or other beverages....