Teen Health Books

The truth hurts and is difficult to read sometimes but facts don't like. Meg Meekers research and assessment of the dangers that face our kids is real and present as any danger today. Love you kids, read the book.

I really enjoyed this book. This book does contain some of Meeker's opinion but it also contains many footnotes from studies and what not. It is well documented and the footnotes I have followed back to the source are correct. As some of the other reviewer noted the numbers are staggering sober. I hope people can realize that sex is killing our kids and nation.

I have read Meeker's book, and find it totally devoid of factual information or a sex-positive approach. It is the same old "just say no" approach, which is never going to click with today's teenagers. Like Josh McDowell and Pam Stenzel, she is irresponsible in not telling the truth about sex. Forget her.

Epidemic may not be too strong of a word to describe the crisis in teen sexuality we face in the Western world. Although this volume describes the American scene, it would be true of most other Western nations as well. Young people have been sold a bill of goods regarding sexuality, and they are paying the penalty, big time.

Consider some of the statistics: In the US in 2002 up to one quarter of sexually active teens were living with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Each year over 15 million Americans will contract a new STD. Around a fifth of these will be teenagers. Indeed, while teens make up just 10 percent of the population, they account for 25 per cent of all STDs.

The truth is, the sexual revolution of the 60s has unleashed an untamed monster. When I was growing up one seldom heard of venereal diseases, as they were then called. And there were really only two: syphilis and gonorrhoea. And they tended to be something people other than sailors and prostitutes never worried about. Today there are at least 50 STDs. And with multiple strains of mutating viruses, that actual number may be as high as 100.

Thus a whole new batch of STDs have emerged in line with the no-holds-barred sexual revolution. Chlamydia for example was not even identified until 1976. Thus we have a whole new vocabulary as part of our dictionaries, with disease like genital herpes, HPV, HIV, and a range of new viral infections.

And the problem is many of these diseases are at present incurable (like HIV) and many are asymptomatic (that is one often does not even know one has the infection). And many are quite infectious, easily spread, and hard to control. Herpes for example lives on the skin and is easily passed on.

While antibiotics can stop bacterial STDs (like chlamydia) they cannot stop viruses. And even the bacteria are hard to control, with many mutating into more devious germs, becoming resistant to antibiotics.

Doctor Meegan does not just warn against the physical dangers of casual sex. She also speaks to the emotional, psychological and social harms. The safe sex myth (just use a condom, etc) is not only physically harmful, as most contraceptives are far from foolproof, but the risks of a broken promise, a broken relationship, and a broken heart cannot be protected by the condom culture.

Dr Meeker reminds us that teens are especially vulnerable to negative emotional and psychological side effects due to early sexual activity. And that translates into an epidemic of teen depression and suicide. And the problem compounds itself. Depressed kids in turn are more likely to turn to sex, as many turn to drugs, to deal with their grief.

Losing one's virginity at an early age often leads to a loss in self respect and self worth. A loss of trust and expectation also is part of the downside. The innocence of childhood is ripped away and replaced with a premature burden of adulthood.

The truth is, the condom culture and the explosion in comprehensive sex education have not helped matters, but made them worse. We have never before had so much sex ed, and we have never before had so much teen sexuality, abortion and STDs. There seems to be a clear correlation between the two.

And a major missing ingredient in most sex ed courses is what teens really need to hear: how to say no to sexual pressure. Abstinence before marriage and faithfulness in marriage is the only guaranteed safe sex. Yet this message is seldom being taught to our young people. It certainly is not the message of popular culture.

Critics will simply shrug off this volume and accuse the author of scare mongering. But try telling that to a young person who is now permanently affected by an STD. Try telling that to a young girl whose future is in doubt because sexual experimentation has lead to an unwanted pregnancy. Try telling that to those who have become infertile due to promiscuous sexual activity.

The consequences of the sexual revolution are very real indeed. It is time we had some straight talk on the many dangers of, and downsides to, teenage sex. The good news is we are not animals and we can control our desires. But when all around us are telling our young people that they should just go for it, the message of sexual responsibility is easily drowned out. Thus the importance of this book.

If all the teenagers in the world read this book, there would have been a sea change in their attitude towards their no-holds-barred sexual revolution. Earlier there were only two diseases syphilis and gonorrhoea and now there is more than a 100 and they are increasing at an extremely fearful pace. Many of these have no remedies so far and the people getting killed by these diseases are increasing on a daily basis.

The author mentioned, in an interview, what helped to complete the book. Kicking the coffee habit. Said drinking it clouded creativity. I agree too, and stopped completely a few weeks ago, with the help of a coffee replacement. It's called s o y f e e and I simply love it. Made from s o y that you brew just like coffee. I even like it better than the real stuff. Look for it at www.s oycoffee.com.

i like this book because although upon seeing it many may dismiss it as a "makeup manual" it's not.

this book was dull, silly, and slightly offending. every single picture in this book was of blonde, gorgeous cheerleaders chatting up handsome white guys in track jackets. it seemed like the author had only concerns for white and beautiful people. whats more, the advice was not helpful and outdated.

This book is very helpful dealing with health, fitness, and beauty, but the style part is very outdated, as are the pictures! Awesome food guide that teaches what foods you need, how to lose weight (safely), and tasty recipes. Complete picture guide to proper stretching, with i found very handy! The makeup tips are average, mainly things I already knew, but they may help a beginner.

I'm glad that I got this book out from the library instead of buying it. It provides extremely conventional advice about self-esteem and makeup, and the clothes the author suggests for teens seem like they're straight from the 80's. I really don't know anyone who wears scarves, overalls, or blouses to school. The language and general writing style of the author also seems outdated. I actually checked the publishing date to see if this was a 90's book; it's a 2000 book. Ms. Youngs even uses the 80's spring/summer/autumn/winter system of choosing clothing and makeup colors. It's also annoying that the book encourages confidence in one's looks and "beauty diversity", yet has photos mostly of stereotypical blonde-haired-blue-eyed all-american-girls. The author herself was a Miss Teen Claifornia finalist, so I suppose one couln't expect much more. I would avoid buying this for a young girl, or avoid buying it for yourself if you are a young girl.

I thought that this book has some good facts but on the other hand, It had a really unrealistic feel to it. It sounds like the author, lives in a fairyland world far from what is really happening. I really did not enjoy the book and was very unhappy with the author's job on writing it.

I had ordered this book for my twelve year old and was really disappointed. I was hoping for a tasteful book that talked a little about the birds and the bees as well as body changes. What I got was a book that dicusses oral sex, anal sex and it's Ok to be gay. Too much for the child barely becoming a teen.I would not recommend it. I returned it.

I bought this for a gift for a girl about to turn 12. I looked it over before actually giving it and was impressed. It was a good mix of information presented -- not just the biology of what is happening but also emotional and social changes. There were even sections about dealing with bullies and how your friendships may change as you grow. The wording was matter of fact, but casual enough to appeal to a tween. I liked the message that waiting to have sex was the best choice, and the book substantiated this message with the reasons why. I think when the time comes for my own children to start reading up on these topics I'd like to supplement this with something that goes into more detail about the biology -- but this is a great overview.

This book, I feel was perfect for my daughter. It is very accurate, not played up to entertain the reader, but to educate the young reader. Very good book. The illustrations were not inappropriate either. There is just enough info to cover almost everything about a young girl and her changes. Love it!

This was an easy to understand review that addressed all the issues important to teens in a thoughtful way.

Until the very end of the book, I was impressed and my daughter seemed pleased. However, I found the chapter on sex to be bothersome. My daughter is 10 and while we have discussed sex, I don't feel that a book of this type for this age group (grades 4-7) should be defining anal sex. I am not opposed to discussing sex openly and opening dialog in which we can bring up our morals, but I don't see the purpose in explaining oral sex and anal sex in a book intended for this age group.

I bought this book for my daughter because she has alot of questions sometimes young girls don't feel comfortable asking their mom, grandma, or even friends their own ages. This book is too mature for girls that age. I heard my daughter reading the book and could not believe that this was the book I had bought for her. She then had this look upon her face that told me I had alot of answering to do. The book just put more questions in her head.

I can't say enough good things about this book!! The information is presented in an easy to read manner that works for both parent and child. It focuses on topics that matter, which are sometimes hard to talk about with your kid. If you have a daughter in this early teen age bracket, you need this book!

Laura-

As a obstetrican/gynecologist AND parent of one teen daughter and one preteen daughter, I have to say that this is a MUST have for any adolescent girl in today's society. I applaud these authors for tackling this often avoided topic. This is the most infomative and "teen-friendly" source available. It is written in such a way that it speaks to girls in a language they can understand and appreciate. While there are other resources that address similar issues, this is the only book that speaks to today's teens about tough issues that were uncommon in my generation. Whether we as parent's like it or not, our kids are exposed to more than we could ever imagine and at younger and younger ages.
This is a great book to read with your daughter (as we have with ours) and a great opportunity to open dialogues in your home. I highly recommend this to all my adolescent patients and their parents.

I purchased this book for my daughter who is 11 and will be 12 soon. I decided it would be best to read through the book before reading it with her and I'm glad that I did. I live in a suburban community and try to protect my children from learning too much too soon. I don't believe that 9-12 year old children need to know the details about anal sex, oral sex, masturbation, and the many other topics included in this book. This book would be best for a high school age girl. Far too much information for a pre-teen to absorb or fully understand.

It can be really tough to find a balance between providing great information and doing so in a voice that really reaches girls. This book succeeds beautifully!! Girls will love the fun, easy way important topics are addressed and moms will appreciate the nitty-gritty details!

I bought this book for my daughter, who has been having anger management problems at school recently. After working through the sessions together, she seems to be able to talk about her feelings much more easily now rather than just acting on them. She is starting to make friends at school and her schoolwork is improving too. Just fantastic!

This is the best book I have found for helping adolescents and pre-adolescents deal with their anger. It has skills and concepts that they can relate to and presents the problem of shame (self esteem) in a great way. Thank you Dr Bohensky for all your work!

Beware of this book. I opened it up and read through it and packed it up to return the same day. Rather than offering practical activities to help teens learn to deal with their anger, it seemed to be a group workbook. Perhaps it just was not what I was expecting. Whatever the case 50+ dollars worth of book it was NOT.

This may be a good book, but the price is outrageous. You are not buying a book, but rather copied pages into a ringed binder. And it is very small. Also, if your child is dealing with anger the last thing you want to give him is a flimsy book he can just get angry at and rip up so easily. That's the first thing my son did.

Anyone stupid enoughe to negate God from there lives deserves to be depressed. The Review from April 1999 is a case in point. I hope that kid hasn't "offed" himself. He sounds like the type that wants to blame everyone else for his problems including God. Everyone has faith in something. Everybody worships something. This kid is mad at God and more than likely mad at his parents as well. "Boo Hoo. I'm having a tough life." GET OVER IT and look to your Creator to be your help. "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. NO ONE comes to the Father but by Me" JESUS. Narrow minded maybe, but at least I'm happy. I love and I am loved. I have a woderful wife, two loving and kind-hearted children. Life is hard but so what. It's fun. I'm blessed to be a blessing. Any parent who reads this please set a solid example for you kids. Love them undonditionally and repent of your past failures. This is a good book.

I disagree with the depressed teenager reviewer. There is no happiness until we stop relying on external forces and concentrate on the relationship with God. Another excellent book is "Love is a choice" and for teenagers sean covey's"seven habits for teenagers" is an excellent readable for teenagers life management book and resource book, including depression. Another good book for teenagers is "taming the tiger"-stress management for teenagers and it is secular in nature. A Youth Ministry Worker

Parents shouldn't buy into this bolonga. (I'm not being derogatory, am I ?;-) ) As a (alright, so I'm clinically depressed)...it didn't help me any. As an atheist, reading this worthless drivel about had no effect on me, and the rest of it probably made me more depressed. The only book about teenagers that I've ever read that was real and objective was Reviving Ophelia. Ok, enough out of me...parents: DON'T BUY THIS BOOK FOR YOUR DEPRESSESD TEEN(S)! take it from a smart kid.-i'm out-

First, let me say what this book is and isn't. It is a book on depression in teenagers with a Christian perspective. If you aren't Christian, I'd say you're better off with When Nothing Matters Anymore by Bev Cobain. It is also a book on teen depression from a psychological perspective, written by a psychiatrist. If you're looking for a "spiritual warfare" approach, Neil Anderson's written a lot of good stuff for teens. If you think psychology is too secular for a Christian to partake of and a real Christian would never get depressed, I pray that you never have to go through the experience of mental illness.

That said, this book is a great resource on teen depression, with symptoms, information on treatments, and guidelines for living a happier life from a Christian perspective (including prayer and Bible reading). Easily understandable explanations of the components of depression (biological, environmental, and spiritual) are included.

Small gripes: the chapters on personality types seem outdated and out of place here. Also, although this book gives a well-balanced perspective on depression in the Christian teen, it does stress medication and hospitalization a little too much and therapy and counseling too little.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to Christian teens with depression and their parents. It is one of the few to address this pressing issue that affects so many teens in a Christian manner with understanding and without extremes or judgments.

The Sierras Weight-Loss Solution for Teens and Kids: A Scientifically Based Program from the Highly Acclaimed Weight-Loss School

Hi I lost 176 pounds at Academy of the Sierras within a year i gained back over 220 pounds because it is another fad diet. I had a lot of success there but the program is aimed toward rich people who can have private cooks or parents with too much time on their hands. I went to Academy of the Sierras over 480 pounds, it is a quick fix. The mental changes that this extreme fad diet does can never be reversed. The clinical part of the program was very unstable most of the therapist there were psychotic themselves. Its ok for people that need to lost 40 pounds or less but not for people with my genes, real obesity genes. They charge 5,500 now even more a month which cuts off all the low income children that need it. It was the worst experience and i regret it and wish my family wouldn't had went into permanent debt because of it. I regret it and i hope people really not try to look for quick fixes to the epidemic of Obesity. The outcome data is very incorrect, i talk to many people that have left like myself and i only know 2 people who have kept there off and they only lost 17 and 28 pounds. DOnt look for quick fixes that dont work

Two things - Firstly and most importantly my son and my husband were happy with the dinners and both lost weight easily (I didn't and I'm still not sure why, but they definitely did)
but secondly - I had to find 15 extra minutes every morning for the cooking (and cleaning and putting away) and some of the breakfasts did not work at all. The candied apple was just awful, but the egg on an english muffin is great and everyone is happy to eat that.

The low fat regime works, and it's very boy/man friendly. As a woman, I wanted more salads (they've finally brainwashed me into wanting and then missing them!) and as the cook I would have liked less labor intensive recipes, esp for the morning but the most important thing is the results and they are absolutely there.

I was a camper at a Wellspring NY (AOS sister program) during the summer of 2006. Since then I have lost and kept off over 60 pounds. I had been heavy my whole life, even as a young child and this is the only program that has worked. I tried Weight Watchers, Adkins, and many other ways to loose the weight. This program really does work. It is scientifically based and there is research to prove it. I highly recommend the book to anyone or any parent that has an overweight child or teen.

I would like to inform folks though, that my daughter and three of her friends, including her room mate, had to have Gall Bladder surgery after their rapid weight lost with this program.

I'm not complaining because i am happy with my daughter's success and my decision. However, i do think they should advise parents who are considering this program that there is that risk. I had insurance, others might not be so lucky unless they are prepared in advance.

Gall Bladder surgery is something rarely seen in kids until now but with the new epidemic of over-weight kids it does become a health risk for them.

I am half Japanese and half American. I live in Japan. I was shopping at Costco with my mom. I found a whole PILE of this book and not many people were buying them. I guessed probably beacuse they were all Japanese and they can't read English. So I grabbed one and looked inside. It had almost all the stars that I loved, so this book was a defenite! I bought it. It's been very useful. It tells you what you should do to prevent stuff, and some "i-didn't-know-that!" star secrets. Buy it before it's too late!

I bought this guide without noticing it was for teens. I learned a ton about skin care and make-up despite just turning 40! It is written in a clear, concise format with a lot of tips from make-up artists. My 21 year old babysitter loved it too! I wish I had it when I was a teenager!

A lot of the advice in this book is useful but the make-up and beauty tips are a little complicated for younger teens and a lot of the information inside can be found in the regular magazines.

before u start reading this review, u should no that im 14, i just dint want 2 rite my email adress cuz they would send me a bunch of SPAM!i bought this product thinking that it would give me ideas of how to do my hair and wat the best type of makeup is the best and stuff, but all it pretty much said was the best way to do ur makeup and crap wen everybody already nows how to do there makeup! im wearing braces and there was an article in there that said "do u hate ur braces?" i bought the book cuz of that article, ubt it just told u 2 not draw2 much attention 2 them by applying lip balm 2ice a day! it was ok in some parts,the book was okay, but in others, it sucked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This book does not reflect any biblical teachings. If you think you will receive a book based on Christian principles, do not buy it as it is a liberal approach for very troubled teens, probably having problems because of a non-disciplined approach in younger years also.

Loving, Insightful... Looking for Clarity and a Fresh Perspective on Parenting Teens?, May 4, 2007

A few of the quotes I loved from Barbara Rose's latest book: "Dear God, I Have Teenagers. Please Help". "Human beings are strong and resilient. We bounce back and triumph over tragedy, transform a lifetime of false beliefs into truth, create an entire life from scratch starting simply with an idea, and become beacons of hope and love for others" "There are no limits to what you and your teens can create. So if you have been molding yourself to fit into a limited pattern, now is the time to break the mold, like a butterfly transforming from a caterpillar." "Teach your teens that their creativity and expression are unlimited; teach them that they can accomplish whatever they can imagine."
In "Dear God, I have Teenagers, Please Help", Barbara brings clarity to the many underlying reasons for teenagers whom "act out". Barbara Rose presents a no-nonsense view on parents' whom may have been abused themselves and now faced with the challenges of parenting teenagers that are acting out for many of the same reasons they may have acted out as a teenager themselves. The saying "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree" is usually apparent when we become parents ourselves, unless we have made the necessary "uprooting" and transformation, as Barbara shares how she has... before she was a parent of teens. Author Barbara Rose speaks from experience sharing her very own "troubling years" from early childhood through her young adulthood, and HOW she was able to "turn around" the abusive false beliefs which she was conditioned with since early childhood. Now being a parent of teenagers herself, Barbara is able to share with the reader, her strategy and wisdom in experiencing the healthy relationship she shares with her very own. At the end of this short to the point book, you will find 30 questions asked by concerned parents of teenagers very helpful, as well as realize many of you experience similar challenges in parenting teens. Barbara answers each one of these questions from her heart, own experience, and from her "higher self". Whether you agree with all the suggestions or not, you WILL find your own personal truth as a parent especially in raising teens. This enlightened perspective will bring more clarity, balance, harmony, self-esteem and self-love to your teenagers' life as well as to your own.

As you read Barbara Rose's divinely inspired paragraphs on parenting your teenager(s), you realize you are being given a path to discover, walk, dance and celebrate not only the healing and guidance of your teenagers but the healing and guidance of the wounded teenager within the parent....Each phrase and paragraph is packed with a wisdom that easily seeps into your consciousness, awakening the love you have for self and the love you have for family, especially your teenagers! These pages inspire hope and real life solutions which can grow a bond between you and your children which is full of acceptance, compassion and understanding. This book can help you create a healthy, family dynamic which contributes to healthy dynamics in all areas of life and the world. I really feel that the wisdom in this book can lead to avoiding future Columbine's and Virginia Tech's. Our Children are our Future....let's make it a bright and joyful one. I highly recommend "DEAR GOD, I HAVE TEENAGERS. PLEASE HELP!" I can now celebrate the fact that I have
a teenager and two adult teenagers for now I have some incredible tools to turn around a few dilemnas that still cause problems within our family dynamic. Not many people have tackled the "Teenage Dynamic". I applaud
Barbara Rose for the love, courage and the Heart it took to receive Answers from God on any topic but especially the topic of Teenagers!

Sydney Lynn Lok
www.thegodmolecule.com

I looved this book. I do some of the exercises in the morning before I do my Makeup and go to school. My body has also gotten in much better shape ever senice I started doing the exercises regulara (my mile time has improved too). I recomened this book to any one!

This book was so great. I'm a follower of the raw food diet and have practiced yoga for 2 years now. I'm only 16 but after I did some the exercises in this book I saw results after 6 weeks of doing them. I'm a surfer so being in shape is a must. This book worked for me. I also haven't had sickness in a year. I would recommend this book to anyone.

As a yoga teacher and a mother of teens I am seeking books that present the beauty and value of yoga to teens. This book is nice to look at however...if you are seeking a yoga program that teaches classic yoga postures this is not the book for you. They are only briefly mentioned late in the book. My kids and the teens that I teach do not want postures with "kid names", they are interested in and are capable of learning the true names of postures and the metaphors that they present. Alignment in postures is not presented well and while I do not overly focus on strict alignment with teens I feel that it should be presented in a book on the subject. In my mind this is a "fun" type book but not for serious students or teachers.