Your Growing and Changing
Body
• Brushyourteethtwiceadayandossonce
aday.
• Visitthedentisttwiceayear.
• Wearyourmouthguardwhenplayingsports.
• Eat3healthymealsaday.
• Eatingbreakfastisveryimportant.
• Considerchoosingwaterinsteadofsoda.
• Limithigh-fatfoodsanddrinkssuchas
candy,chips,andsoftdrinks.
• Trytoeathealthyfoods.
• 5fruitsandvegetablesaday
• 3cupsoflow-fatmilk,yogurt,orcheese
• Eatwithyourfamilyoften.
• Aimfor1hourofmoderatelyvigorous
physicalactivityeveryday.
• TrytolimitwatchingTV,playingvideogames,
orplayingonthecomputerto2hoursaday
(outsideofhomeworktime).
• Beproudofyourselfwhenyoudosomething
good.
Healthy Behavior Choices
• Findfun,safethingstodo.
• Talktoyourparentsaboutalcoholanddrug
use.
• Supportfriendswhochoosenottouse
tobacco,alcohol,drugs,steroids,ordietpills.
• Talkaboutrelationships,sex,andvalueswith
yourparents.
• Talkaboutpubertyandsexualpressureswith
someoneyoutrust.
• Followyourfamily’srules.
How You Are Feeling
• Figureouthealthywaystodealwithstress.
• Spendtimewithyourfamily.
• Alwaystalkthroughproblemsandneveruse
violence.
• Lookforwaystohelpoutathome.
• It’simportantforyoutohaveaccurate
informationaboutsexuality,yourphysical
development,andyoursexualfeelings.
Pleaseconsideraskingmeifyouhaveany
questions.
School and Friends
• Tryyourbesttoberesponsibleforyour
schoolwork.
• Ifyouneedhelporganizingyourtime,ask
yourparentsorteachers.
• Readoften.
• Findactivitiesyouarereallyinterestedin,
suchassportsortheater.
• Findactivitiesthathelpothers.
• Spendtimewithyourfamilyandhelpat
home.
• Stayconnectedwithyourparents.
Violence and Injuries
• Alwayswearyourseatbelt.
• DonotrideATVs.
• Wearprotectivegearincludinghelmets
forplayingsports,biking,skating,and
skateboarding.
• Makesureyouknowhowtogethelpifyou
arefeelingunsafe.
• Neverhaveaguninthehome.Ifnecessary,
storeitunloadedandlockedwiththe
ammunitionlockedseparatelyfromthegun.
• Figureoutnonviolentwaystohandleangeror
fear.Fightingandcarryingweaponscanbe
dangerous.Youcantalktomeabouthowto
avoidthesesituations.
• Healthydatingrelationshipsarebuilton
respect,concern,anddoingthingsbothof
youliketodo.
SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC COMPETENCE
VIOLENCE AND INJURY PREVENTION
RISK REDUCTION
EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
PHYSICAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
PAGE 1 OF 1
The recommendations in this publication do not indicate an
exclusive course of treatment or serve as a standard of medical
care. Variations, taking into account individual circumstances,
may be appropriate. Original document included as part of
Bright Futures Tool and Resource Kit. Copyright © 2010
American Academy of Pediatrics. All Rights Reserved. The
American Academy of Pediatrics does not review or endorse
any modifications made to this document and in no event shall
the AAP be liable for any such changes.
Bright Futures Patient Handout
Early Adolescent Visits