Q: At what age are you allowed into gyms?
A: A 'no under 16s rule' is often operated due to insurance policy requirements. Most council run gyms have sessions which allow 14 - 16 yr olds to train if they are accompanied by a parent. This doesn’t usually include weightlifting.
Visit www.activekent.co.uk for information about activities in your area.
Q: How much exercise is enough?
A: You should try and do about one hour of physical activity a day. This activity should be of at least moderate intensity – in other words, you should work up a bit of a sweat and get slightly out of breath. But if you can manage something a bit more strenuous, then that's even better.
You should include activities to improve bone health, muscle strength and flexibility at least twice a week. Activities that are 'weight bearing' (in other words, where you are on your feet, rather than in water or on a bike) help build strong bones.
Websites for further information:
www.bbc.co.uk/health
www.activekent.co.uk
Q: How many carbohydrates/proteins can I eat?
A: Carbohydrates are really important as part of a healthy diet and should make up about one third of the food we eat. They are a source of energy and a range of nutrients in our diets. Wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta as well as potatoes are good choices. Proteins are essential for our body’s growth and repair and good sources are meat, fish, eggs and beans. These foods should make up about one sixth of our food intake.
Further information can be found at:
https://www.eatwell.gov.uk
https://www.food,gov.uk
Q: How big is a portion of fruit and vegetables?
A: Fruit and vegetables should make up about a third of the food you eat each day. And it's also important to eat a variety. Five-a-day is a good, achievable target.
ONE portion = 80g = here are some examples;
1 apple, banana, pear, orange or other similar sized fruit
2 plums or similar sized fruit
1 handful of grapes, cherries or berries
3 heaped tablespoons of vegetables (raw, cooked, frozen or tinned)
1 heaped tablespoon of dried fruit (such as raisins and apricots)
1 glass (150ml) of fruit juice (however much you drink, fruit juice counts as a maximum of one portion)
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/nutritionessentials/fruitandveg/
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/5aday/pages/5adayhome.aspx/
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/YoungPeople/HealthAndRelationships/KeepingHealthy/DG_10030623
Q: Does organic food benefit your body so much that you should pay extra for it?
A: Non organic food contains pesticides and other chemicals which are used to keep them fresher for longer. Organic food is better for you because it contains no harmful chemicals or pesticides. It contains 50% more nutrients, minerals and vitamins than non organic food. Did you know that if you consumed an average apple you might be eating over 30 pesticides? For more information see the websites below:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/food_matters/organicfood.shtml
http://www.thefutureisorganic.net/tenreasons.htm
Q: How can I deal with the stress of school life?
A: School can be a very stressful time – with lots of different pressures including deadlines, family, friends and planning the future. But there are things that can be done to reduce or manage stress levels:
- Use a diary or notepad to organise and prioritise what needs doing
- Focus on one task at a time
- Take regular breaks to get a drink etc
- Get plenty of sleep – 8 hours per night is recommended
- Do some exercise each day – 30 minutes is fine
- Plan time to relax and have fun
- Talk to someone who can be trusted if things aren’t getting better or seem too much to cope with
For further info visit www.thesite.org or ask to speak to the Health PA at your local Connexions Access Point
Q: What is peer pressure?
A: This is the pressure that a person might be put under by his or her peer group to do something that he or she doesn’t want to do. People who are being pressured in this way might do something in order to fit in with the group or because they don’t feel assertive enough to resist the pressure. E.g. having unprotected sex or taking drugs.
Find out more at:
www.childline.org.uk Look under Hot topics
www.childrenfirst.nhs.uk Search for peer pressure
www.thesite.org Search for peer pressure
Q: How do we know we are depressed and how can it affect everyday life?
A: If you have depression you may feel irritable, tired, sleep too much or not enough, have trouble eating or eat too much, and be unable to make decisions. You may also feel guilty, dissatisfied, hopeless, helpless and want to cry all of the time.
Although everyone can have these feelings from time to time if you have these feelings for a long time (weeks or months) and they don't go away it can become depression. Support and advice should be sought from your GP who will plan your treatment with you.
Depression can affect your everyday life. Sleep, relationships, school work/ job, hobbies and your appetite can be affected.
For further information see;
www.youngminds.org.uk