Teens who eat dinners with their families are more likely to eat fruit and vegetables when they hit their twenties, according to a new study by the University of Minnesota. The study involved surveying 1500 people when they were in high school and again at age 20.

The 20-year-olds who ate evening meals with their families during adolescence had higher intakes of calcium, magnesium, potassium and fiber, and drank fewer soft drinks. This study appears in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

Find help for parents of troubled teens at ByParents-ForParents.com.

Labels: family, healthy_eating, students

This coming weekend, two separate groups at Central Michigan University will host events aimed at raising both money and awareness for eating disorders.

"The Delta Phi Epsilon sorority is sponsoring a candlelight vigil, and the women's track team is hosting a Walk-a-Thon to raise money for [National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders] ANAD."

The goal of ANAD is to "alleviate the problems of eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa." Both of the events on the Central Michigan University campus are open to the public. Read more at CM-Life.com.

Labels: awareness, students

While eating disorders don't make sense to many, there are at least 5 million men, women, and children in the United States who regularly battle an eating disorder. New studies show that many teen athletes, and not just the girls, may suffer from eating disorders. Experts believe that a drive to excel in athletics, especially dancers, gymnasts, and wrestlers, puts some students at a greater risk of having an eating disorder.

But a new program at Viewmont High School in Salt Lake City, Utah has a program to combat the deadly disorder.

"At the start of the season, high school wrestlers are weighed, their body fat is measured and their hydration level is checked. Those numbers are then entered into a computer, which determines how much weight each student can lose safely. If the student loses more, they are not allowed to compete."

While the new program appears to be working for the male wrestlers, there is no such system in place yet for female-associated sports. Read more online.

Labels: athletes, students, teens

Although the dreaded "Freshman 15" is really more like 4 or 5 pounds, health experts warn that co-eds don't go to extremes worrying about gaining a little weight while at college. Staying disciplined despite being tempted by loads of unhealthy food options can be difficult for many students. Finding balance and moderation can be another daunting task.

"Since beauty and weight are closely linked in our culture, the desire to be thin is an oppressive message that can foster eating disorders, says Ann Hoschler, director of Student Health & Counseling at Augustana College. She conducts 300 to 400 counseling sessions a year that focus on depression, eating issues, anxiety and family concerns... Reactions to tremendous life changes such as going to college can include anxiety, depression and weight fluctuations—either up or down."

There are so many issues teenagers face during their first year at college: freedom from parents, weird schedules, homesickness, changing bodies, and so on that it's not surprising many students gain or loose weight. Some colleges require students to take nutrition classes or ones on overall personal wellness. Read more from the Argus Leader.

Labels: media_influences, myths, students