Twenty Percent of Teenage Girls Suffer Date Abuse

Violence in teen relationships is more common than many would like to believe. According to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, approximately one in five female high school students reported being abused physically, sexually or both by a dating partner.

"Numerous studies show that abuse in teen dating relationships is common and even considered normal by many young people. The problem exists across lines of race, socio-economic status, religion, sexual orientation and disability in urban, suburban, and rural communities, according to the resource center."

If your teen, or teens that you know, are dating, there are signs to look for which may indicate the relationship is abusive. Sudden isolation, changes in mood or personality, and changes in school attendance and performance are just some of the indicators. Read more at EACourier.com.

Preadolescent Weight Surge in Girls

If your child is starting to look a little chunky at nine years old, it's time to seek the help of her doctor to address the issue - before it's too late. According to recent research reported in the Journal of Pediatrics, new onset of overweight between the ages of 9 and 12 is likely to follow girls into adulthood, leading to a risk for high blood pressure and other heart problems.

The first step is to ask her doctor to determine if she is overweight. Then, focus on small changes to work toward a lifestyle of healthy eating and frequent physical activity.