Happy Begets Healthy
It’s hard to argue with a study of 40,000 families that measures happiness among tweens and teens. Here is evidence that when these kids treat their bodies better, they engage in fewer risk behaviors. What I find most amazing about this is that healthy nutrition and exercise choices become proxies for less drinking and smoking. Yet another reason to push the fresh fruits and veggies!

Family Dinner May Serve Up Antidote to Alcohol and Drugs
We know that time spent as a family works as an effective deterrent for tobacco, alcohol, and drug use among teenagers. Here’s a report on a study that actually measures it. Yet one more reason to cancel that plan to go out with your own friends and instead hunker down with your kids…
topics: family dinner, risk behaviorsDrinking, Driving, and Role Modeling
A study looking at the likelihood of teenage drinking and driving. You may be surprised to see what a large influence your own behavior has…
topics: risk behaviorsSummertime Safety: Pool Rules and Sunscreen
When summertime arrives, make sure you have brushed up on water safety. This includes pool rules and sun protection too.


CARA NATTERSON, MD is a board-certified pediatrician, pediatric consultant, media expert, and the author of several books on child health and parenting. 