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overall nutritional requirements are met.

One's weight depends on what and how much one eats and how many calories
are burned off with activity. Young children and adolescents must learn the
importance of regular physical exercise. The goal should be at least 30-60
minutes of vigorous exercise each day. For all family members, activities which
are interesting, challenging, safe and enjoyable should be chosen. These
interests and skills will be carried through their teen years into adult life.

Television and other media including video game play should be limited to less
than 2 hours each day.

While we have spent a reasonable amount of time discussing avoidance of
being overweight, being underweight and undernourished is equally undesirable.
See Section VI, N-6, Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia.

N. Adolescence
1. Menstruation

Girls grow and develop at different rates. Some girls will have their first period at
age 10, while others won't begin menstruation until they are 16. Both can be

normal.

During the first year or two of menstruation, periods may be irregular. Several
weeks to months may pass between periods. Once a teenager's body has
adjusted to all the changes taking place menstruation will likely occur every 3 to

6 weeks.

Most periods last from 3 to 5 days, but they may be as short as 1 day or as long
as 7 days and still be normal. Most of the flow occurs on the second and third
day, and then gets lighter. Sometimes it stops and starts for several days until

it's over.

Many girls have dysmenorrhea or "cramps" during their period. For many,
cramps may be accompanied by: nausea & vomiting, diarrhea, headaches,
dizziness, feeling flushed, fatigue, back and leg pains. Cramps cannot be cured
but there are ways to minimize the discomfort. Ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, Motrin)
is the treatment of choice. Good nutrition, exercise, and a heating pad or hot

water bottle on the lower abdomen can reduce discomfort.

2. Tampons
The use of tampons is acceptable. Given the association of tampons with toxic
shock syndrome, it is important to change the tampons frequently. Tampon
users who develop a fever while menstruating should remove the tampon and be

examined for the source of the fever.

^ 3. Male Adolescence
Male adolescence is not commemorated by an event as dramatic as the onset of
menstruation. The changes are as significant though more gradual in nature.

^ It is characterized by pubic and later axillary hair, rapid growth in the size of

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