Taking Care of You

You’ve heard it all before—eating right and staying active is good for your body. Well, it’s true. And, while you may not be in total charge of your illness or disability, you can take charge of your eating and exercise habits.

Eat right

As much as it might hurt to admit it, when your parents tell you something is good for you, in most cases they are right. But, eating a healthy diet doesn’t mean you have to eat a lot of foods that you don’t like. Just make sure that your diet includes:

• More fruits and vegetables (3-5 servings a day).
• Whole grain breads and cereals, and enriched rice and pasta (6-11 servings a day).
• Nonfat or lowfat milk, yogurt, and cheeses. (Foods from this group contain calcium, which is very important in a growing body.) (2-3 servings a day).
• Lean meat, skinless poultry, and fish that is broiled, roasted, or simmered instead of breaded and fried. Also, eat dry beans and peas (2-3 servings a day).
• Less fats, oils, and sweets. Butter, margarine, oils, candy, high-fat salad dressings, and soft drinks offer little or no protein, vitamins, or minerals.

It is important for everyone to eat a healthy diet. It can be even more important for girls with health conditions. If your doctor has put you on a special diet, it is important that you follow it. Your doctor has put you on this diet to make sure you stay healthy, so try to stick to it the best you can.

For more information on eating right…

• Take Charge of Your Health. A Teenager’s Guide to Better Health
• Calcium word search

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