May is National Teen Self-esteem Month

National Teen Self-Esteem Month

May is National Teen Self-esteem Month

May is National Teen Self-esteem Month

National Teen Self-esteem Month is a time to recognize the importance of how young people feel about themselves and how their feelings can affect their physical and mental health. The teenage years are a time when a teen’s self-esteem needs to be nurtured and supported by family, friends and other necessary people in their lives.

What is self-esteem?

The National Association for Self-Esteem defines self-esteem as “The experience of being capable of meeting life’s challenges and being worthy of happiness.” Yet many teens find it difficult to meet these goals because of various hurdles.

For example, bullying (both in person and cyberbullying) is a serious problem among teenagers. Teens’ peers can say and write cruel, untrue things. Teen self-esteem can rapidly erode, and the result can be depression, eating disorders, drop in grades, truancy, drug and alcohol use and even suicide.

 

However, parents and other caring individuals can help teenagers meet these hurdles head on. Concerned individuals who want to know how to increase teenager self-esteem need to identify the factors that are bothering a young person, recognize the impact it has on the adolescent and then offer guidance in a cooperative manner.

Tips on how to raise self-esteem:

If you are a teen who is experiencing self-esteem issues or a concerned adult who is concerned about a teen’s self-esteem, here are some tips.

• Acknowledge how body image affects your self-esteem. Lots of pressure is placed on teenagers to look a certain way, and typically those expectations are not realistic. Teens who have problems with body image could benefit from talking with someone they trust about their concerns.

• Banish the negative. Teens who say negative things about themselves (e.g., I’m too fat, I’m not popular) or who listen to others who say such things need to replace the negative words with positive ones. Whenever negative thoughts or words occur, teens should replace them immediately with positive thoughts (e.g., I am great at math, I enjoy playing the trumpet).

• Squash comparisons. When people compare themselves to others, they will always find someone who is better and worse at something than they are. Playing the comparison game is a waste of time and energy. Teens should be encouraged to celebrate who they are as unique beings who can make choices that will lead them on a path of personal fulfillment.

• Smile. A smile communicates confidence and a great smile can make people feel on top of their game. Teens who don’t feel good about their smile can talk to their parents about what can be done to give them that extra boost of confidence.

National Teen Self-esteem Month is about many things, and one of them is how to increase teenager self-esteem in effective ways. Dr. Patricia J. Panucci, DMD, MS, and other folks at Beach Braces in Manhattan Beach can help put a smile on the face of your teenager. Give us a call today.

Beach Braces, 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051.

National Teen Self-esteem Month

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Beach Braces

Month of Oral Cancer Awareness

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Over 40,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year and many are not diagnosed until it’s too late because patients are not being screened or attending regular appointments to stay on top of what is going on inside their mouths. As Oral Cancer Awareness Month approaches in April, it’s time to get the word out about this form of disease that strikes the mouth and throat as well as what everyone needs to do to protect themselves from this form of disease.

Diagnosis is Key

Early diagnosis is one of the most important ways to address any cancers that develop in the head and neck. The earlier that oral forms of cancer are detected, the better the prognosis for the patient. Annual screenings are a vital part of maintaining good oral hygiene and picking up any red flags during the exam. However, if patients do notice any types of changes going on with their mouths or throats, they need to stay on top of things and make another appointment between annual exams.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Any type of cancer involving the mouth or throat may not cause noticeable symptoms until it is more advanced. However, there are certain changes that signal the possibility of a serious problem. If there are sores in the mouth that won’t go away after two weeks, it’s important to get them checked. A swollen jaw that appears for no reason is another warning sign. Problems with the tongue, such as numbness or difficulty speaking, are another indication of a serious, underlying condition. Difficulties with chewing and swallowing are more warning signs. A hoarse throat that never goes away could indicate the presence of throat cancer. Paying attention to one’s body is vital in detecting anything out of the norm and having it cared for before the disease progresses.

Treatment Options

Once any form of cancer involving the head and neck has been diagnosed, a course of treatment will be prescribed. Each individual case is unique. Surgery and the use of radiation are the most common approaches to treat any form of cancer. Chemotherapy is often advised as well in order to keep cancer from spreading to any other part of the body. The treatment plan will depend on the form of cancer and how much it has already progressed.

What Can You Do to Take Good Care of Your Mouth?

The best thing that you can do about your mouth is to have good oral hygiene and make sure you get annual oral screenings to detect any abnormalities that could be occurring in your mouth or throat. Dr. Patricia Panucci is your go-to orthodontist in Manhattan Beach when you need your next exam. You can also turn to Dr. Panucci any time that you have a concern to stay on top of your oral health. Contact your Manhattan Beach orthodontist, Dr. Patricia Panucci, and make an appointment today. Learn more BeachBraces by visiting our website.

Beach Braces 1730 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Suite B, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

TEL: 310-379-0006 Fax: (310) 379-7051

Month of Oral Cancer Awareness

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