Problems? We’ll sort you out!
1. I have a crush on this girl but I’m scared to ask her out. I know that when I ask her, she’ll turn me down. What shall I do?
2. My friends think I’m happy but I’m not. I’m often depressed but I just don’t show it. Should I tell people about my feelings?
3. I look young. I’m going to college soon and I’m worried that people will laugh at me. What can I do?
4. I’m so upset! I need glasses but I look stupid if I wear them. What should I do?
A. You should learn to express your feelings. When you feel sad, talk to someone. You won’t feel better unless you share your feelings with a friend. And your friendship will also grow stronger when you open to your friends.
B. Just be yourself — if people tease you, don’t react and don’t be annoyed. There will always be people who love you just as you are. Remember, looking young isn’t so bad — you’ll look 30 when you are 50.
C. If you don’t care of your eyes now, you’ll regret it later. Glasses make your life easier. You’ll see the difference when you start wearing them. And don’t worry! A lot of people look much better with their glasses than without.
D. Just ask her out. She won’t know you’re interested unless you talk to her. If she turns you down, just move on. There are lots of other girls out there!
Which problem is the most serious? Why?
PROBLEM NUMBER ONE FOR TEENS
1. The word obesity means being so overweight that is bad for your health. Doctors work out if a person is obese by looking at how tall they are and how much they weigh.
2. One in 25 children is now classed as being obese. With about one in ten kids already overweight, doctors are really worried about how this might affect children’s health when they are older. We’re putting on weight because we eat a lot more calories but now we don’t do as much exercise as we used to. Also, experts say portion sizes have got bigger, fast food is available everywhere and kids are encouraged to buy high fat and high sugar products advertised by celebs.
3. Food is a fuel and everyone needs to eat to get energy. But you have to look at what’s in your food. All food and drink except water contains calories. If you eat more calories than you need then those calories aren’t used; the body stores it as fat. If you eat loads of extra calories, like a big chocolate bar, you should try and do some exercises to wear off that energy before it turns to fat.
4. Being obese van be very dangerous to your health and doctors say that if you‘re overweight as a child you’re likely to be overweight as an adult. It’s linked to heart disease, cancer, strokes, high blood pressure and weak bones. It can also lead to emotional problems like being bullied and feeling down.
5. Experts say you should enjoy your food but be careful about what you eat and remember to keep active. The government is trying to work out how to let you know what’s in your food. They may decide that food like burgers and chips should be served up with a warning that you should balance your meal with exercise — just like cigarettes have health warnings on them. Pop stars and sport stars may be banned from advertising fast food and high fat, high sugar snacks and drinks. And some vending machines in school have already been emptied and replaced with healthier options. Cooking lessons could also be included in you day, to help you learn how to prepare food that’s good for you.
A. How do you become obese?
B. What’s being done about the problem?
C. Why do pop and sport stars advertise fast food?
E. How does overweight affect your health?
F. Why do kids prefer fast food?
G. Why is obesity a problem?