Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Winter 2001)

Where can you look online for health information if your questions are about acne and raging hormones instead of aging hormones and heart disease?

The health issues facing teens are unique — and so are many of the web sites geared toward teens and health. If your teen has questions about nutrition, sexuality, fitness, hormones or emotions, steer him or her to one of these teen-oriented sites: www.teengrowth.com and www.kidshealth.com (click on teens).

Kids may have questions about health or sexuality that they don’t want to ask their parents. Teengrowth.com can help children understand their anatomy (and that of the opposite sex) without the embarrassment of asking. There is also a comprehensive question-and-answer section with topics ranging from bad breath to body piercing. The "emotions" section educates teens on self-esteem, emotional abuse, stress and suicide.

Kidshealth.com has a separate section for parents, kids and teens. Teens will find articles on the basics of health and an entire section on sexual health. This site also has information on safety and a section about health problems often faced by youths.

Parents also will enjoy the "parents" section of kidshealth.com. Articles on talking to your child about puberty, alcohol use, menstruation and death should help you through those sometimes tough discussions.

The kidshealth.com section on "Internet Safety" (under the parents link) is full of tips to help you teach your child to use the Internet safely. Many sites geared toward teens, including some health sites (but not those discussed here), include chat rooms. These can be a great place for children to discuss some of their health concerns with kids their own age. But be warned that only some chat rooms are moderated for content and appropriateness. Be sure to set guidelines for your child about visiting and using chat rooms.

Also teach your kids to check out what they hear or read online with you or a teacher, doctor or other trusted adult. And remember, the medical information on the Internet, especially that geared toward children and teens, should never substitute for the care and information you and your family doctor provide.