Teens and grog don't mix

If you think your teenager hasn’t tried grog, think again! Statistics show 10% of young people aged 14 years and over have tried alcohol at least once. 

Young people who drink put their health and wellbeing at a risk as well as their personal safety.

If you're a parent of a drinking teen and not sure what to do there are resources available to you through not-for-profit organisation, DrinkWise Australia.  

"We have a whole lot of resources and aids on the  website and it’s all written by independent experts," says Mike Mackay, DrinkWise CEO.

“If issues do arise with teenagers or children underneath their care about abusing alcohol, you can certainly explain your concerns about the drinking and remind them about the range of risks involved," he said.

Longer term risks associated with excessive drinking at a young age include learning difficulties, memory problems, poor decision making, depression and anxiety.

Mike also recommends establishing appropriate boundaries about alcohol and providing support can reduce the risk of serious harm.

“Make sure that your teenager or your child knows that no matter what happens you’re there for them and you can help them anytime, anywhere.

"If they are out and about and they do get into a bit of trouble and there has been a situation that you are potentially able to go out and pick them up and ensure they get home.

”Teenagers and young ones also learn from watching their elders, so it’s your responsibility to be a good role model by drinking responsibly," Mike added.

Where to go for help

DrinkWise Australia

Local health service provider 

Kids Helpline                      1800 55 1800

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Do you know what type 2 diabetes is and the consequences of not managing the disease properly?

Stayin' Strong put those questions to Lisa Renn, a dietitian and spokesperson for the Australian Dietitians Association.

"Diabetes is actually too much sugar in the blood," Lisa says.

Too much sugar in the blood wears down our body, much like salt water speeds up rust in metals.

"If we're carrying too much sugar in our blood, things in our body rust a bit quicker."

Living with diabetes

While there is no cure for diabetes, learning about the disease and how to manage it can help diabetics lead normal lives.  

Lisa warns of long-term complications for those who don't manage the disease properly.

"Some of the long-term complications of diabetes maybe some nerve damage in your feet, heart disease, kidney disease or it could be blindness.

"It really pays to be eating healthy, exercising daily and testing your blood sugar levels to make sure they stay within the required levels between 4 and 10," she told Stayin' Strong.

For further information

Diabetes Queensland           Infoline 1300 136 588

Image courtesy of Praisaeng / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Have you had to deal with worms – and not the kind that live in the dirt?

Threadworm infections, also known as pinworms, are a common childhood complaint.  

Child nurse Robyn Lea, from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service in Brisbane says parents can give worms the boot with some simple precautions.  Listen here.

Threadworms are spread by children scratching their bottom and carrying the worm eggs back to their mouth with their hands. They can also be spread indirectly, in food, dust, or other particles. 

If a child has worms, it’s most likely that other family members will be infected as well.

To prevent the threadworms from spreading to others, the following precautions are advisable:

• Treat all other family members at the same time. Adults can also get threadworms;
• It is not necessary to "worm" the family when you worm the family pets - dogs and cats do not get threadworms or pass them on the people;
• Encourage your child not to scratch, despite the itching;
• Keep your child's fingernails clean and trimmed;
• Stop children from nailbiting or thumb sucking;
• Have your child wash his/her hands with warm soapy water for at least 10 seconds after going to the toilet;
• Launder bedding and toys in hot water. Vacuum often, to remove any eggs; and
• Discourage your child from eating food that has fallen on the floor.

Image courtesy of David Costillo Dominici/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Stayin' Strong project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.  Read more.