Teen pregnancy has become a common occurrence and often overlooked.  A baby is surely a blessing, a life that bonds to their parents for safety, nurture and love.   However, it isn't always rainbows and sunshine, raising a baby requires time, commitment, and dedication that not all teens have.  Reality kicks in very soon, such as purchasing diapers, baby formula, doctor expenses, how to apply for aids, housing, school, work, etc.  what teen mothers and fathers need is support.  Although single parent families are common among teen pregnancies, it doesn't mean you have to be that person.

A baby is a human being that needs attention from both mom and dad.  Raising a child is difficult enough, but raising a child alone is a job all in itself. 

I found it quite disheartening when I realized that the United States is the leading country with the highest rate of teenage pregnancies.  What does this say about our methods in prevention?  Is there a lack of communication, lack of information or is the American family structure supporting pre-martial sex. 

Find out more information on teen pregnancy preventions.

Teenage suicide is a life changing event.   People always talk about the factor that can lead to teenage suicide, such as depression, bullying or severe harassment.   But there are ways to prevent teenage suicide, it takes very little from parents, teachers and peers to be more attentive towards their child, student or friend.   Some indicators are: changes in mood, isolation from friends, level of involvement in activities (i.e. sports and clubs), irritability and the increase of arguments -- which could be forms of outcry.

1. Its importance to provide your support and talk to your child, student or friend if you notice these changes.  If you're not sure how to help or what route to take, ask a counselor, speak to a professional or bring it up with the individual and ask them: have they been feeling different lately -- remember that its not about you its about your child, student or friend, don't offer advises or solutions to their problems but help them find their own solution. 

"Offer a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach him how to fish he eats for a lifetime".

2. Establishing Relationship for Mutual Communication

Most teens and parents lack the ability to have a conversation without judgment, restrictions or fear of punishment.  It can be an intimidating situation when information such as birth control, STD's, drugs, bullying etc. are affecting many teens -- having these talks where the parent and child is able to openly ask questions and receive answers is a great method, the conversation does not have to be about these more sensitive subjects.  Start with cooking together, eating together, subjects such as your child's interest, school, clubs, etc.  Parents should know that teens are scared to talk about those kinds of things with their parents, they don't want them to know or they're not sure how their parents are going to react.  Parents: take the lead in bringing up the topic, it may be awkward or new to you but at least you can begin to build mutual relationship -- fear and stress can lead to dangerous outcomes.

Communication between family members can prevent and overcome problems like drug abuse, alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy, suicides and more. Overall communication is a great way to prevent mis-communication and build family bonds.

3. Socially Active, Participate

Most teens who find themselves socially isolated or "outcast" will find themselves alone and without support.  This can become stressful and fearful.  In some cases where the child isn't accepted by other teenagers, it can lead to bullying, harassment and violence that can create low self-worth.  Teachers and parents should actively portray  the importance of being involved -- in sports, clubs, community involvement and be open to their circle of friends.

I hope these three ways to  prevent teen suicide is helpful, they are not at all the only ways to prevent teen suicide -- in addition these methods are more to prevent the idea from occurring.  If you know someone who is debating suicide let someone know.

Coffee contains antioxidant that our body needs, however, if you find yourself needing coffee every day and when you don't get your coffee fix you feel low and lack energy it may be a sign of dependence.  I didn't believe it at first but there have been cases where individuals have developed an addiction and/or dependence on caffeine.  Too much of anything is bad, too much caffeine can increase chances for heart related illnesses.

This addiction can be difficult to diagnose since caffeine is in many drinks like coffee, tea and soda.  The amount we consume is not of our concern most do not realize they have developed an abnormal use.  Caffeine is not a drug or illegal so I can't be addicted -- is what most would say.  Building tolerance toward the effects of caffeine can be dangerous, tolerance means that it takes more cups or coffee or more tea bags for us to feel the effects.   Caffeine addiction can bring severe side effects such as irritability, headaches,extreme fatigue, and sleepiness.

Ever noticed we are the only species that drink milk after weaning (i.e. from milk and liquids to normal solids - adult diet)?

Milk contains calcium, vitamin A & B, phosphorus, magnesium, protein, zinc, riboflavin and it is known for being an importance supplement for children as well as adults.  Calcium builds strong bones.  Calcium can prevent severe bone disorders or diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis, calcium can also protect the bones from chronic bone problems.  Its been said that drinking milk helps to maintain youthful appearance, it can make our skin look more young and clear.   With milk, our skin looks refreshed, moisturized, and silky.  Milk can also help keep our hair long, strong and shiny, just by drinking the necessary.

Milk can also help our body to intake more minerals and vitamins that are important to our body.  Milk can come from cows and goats, however, a cows milk has more nutrients and more supplements than any other.

Out of everything, what humans need most is a healthy diet, right?   And as incomprehensible as it might sound, humans can not consume everything, there are certain things that, if consumed can kill us.  "Dangerous Foods". 

Among those foods that are known to us, there are a quite few that we probably did not know were poisonous till now.

The Blowfish (Fugu)
The blow fish is considered a delicacy in Japan and Hong Kong.  However, nearly 100 people  die per year due to intoxication from eating this the blow fish.  Special care must be taken to prepare the blowfish, if it is not prepared properly, it can cause paralysis in various part of the body including the lungs and heart, leading to death.

Shell Fish
Most shell fish are contaminated with algae, which can be highly toxic to the human body.  The more shell fish consumed at one period of time the higher the level of toxins that are built up in our body, one way to stay safe is to ensure that your shell fish is harvested from trusted providers.   The toxins in shellfish can lead to paralytic shellfish poisoning.   Like the blowfish, paralytic shellfish poisoning can cause paralysis to the lungs and heart, leading to death.