When we think about assets and liabilities, we often think in financial terms. Even when we think about the assets our children might enjoy, we might consider their intellectual and physical strengths as well as the things we try to provide for them. Most teens I know consider their cars, cell phones and wardrobes their most important assets.

Yet, according to the non-profit Search Institute (2006), some of the most important assets teenagers have are developmental building blocks that “help young people grow up healthy, caring and responsible” (http://www.search-institute.org/assets/40AssetsList.pdf).

The Search Institute has identified a framework of “40 Developmental Assets” for adolescents that focus on both external and internal assets. External assets include the people and places that support and guide young people and help them make “constructive use” of their time. Families, schools, religious communities, neighborhoods, and youth programs provide external assets.

Internal assets are “characteristics and behaviors that reflect positive internal growth and development of young people.” A youth’s internal assets include her or his commitment to learning such as motivation to do well in school and reading for pleasure. A teen’s internal assets also include their positive values such as being caring, honest and responsible; as well as exhibiting social competencies, such as being able to resist negative peer pressure and having good friendship skills. High self-esteem as part of a positive identity is another internal asset.

According to the Search Institute, these assets can make a tremendous difference in young people's lives, giving them strength to avoid risky behaviors and to make positive choices.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Podcast: Adolescent developmental assets
Written by: Donna Davis
Reviewed by: Kate Fogarty & Suzanna Smith

Reference

40 Developmental Assets for Adolescents (ages 12-18), (2006), Search Institute, retrieved on January 29, 2007 online at http://www.search-institute.org/assets/40AssetsList.pdf and http://www.search-institute.org/assets/

I have loved being around the teenagers in my life. For many of these kids, life has not been easy and I have hoped that they have been able to find a safe harbor in our home. Having a place to go and adults to count on are what the Search Institute calls external “Developmental Assets.”

For many teens today, these assets aren’t always easy to come by. External developmental assets include “relationships, experiences, and opportunities provided by nuclear and extended families, caring adults and peers, neighborhoods, and institutions within communities.” (http://www.search-institute.org/assets/40AssetsList.pdf)

The Search Institute recommends several ways for adults to build an adolescent’s developmental assets. These include helping them find activities to make constructive use of their time; empowering them to use their abilities to help others; and sparking their commitment to learning.

However, “only a small percentage of adults are deeply engaged in promoting the healthy development of young people outside their own families, according to two startling studies by the Institute (2000, 2002). According to this research, there is a disconnect between what adults claim to be their priorities in influencing children and what they actually are doing about it, especially when those children are not their own – even if they’re neighbors.

However, the Search Institute’s research highlights how important it is for caring adults to support teens and give them the skills to overcome many obstacles and develop qualities that will help them become caring, responsible adults.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Podcast: Building teen developmental assets
Written by: Donna Davis
Reviewed by: Kate Fogarty & Suzanna Smith

Reference

40 Developmental Assets for Adolescents (ages 12-18), (2006), Search Institute, retrieved on January 29, 2007 online at http://www.search-institute.org/assets/40AssetsList.pdf and http://www.search-institute.org/assets/

“Grading Grown-Ups 2002: How do American kids and adults relate?” (2002), Search Institute. Retrieved on January 31, 2007 online at http://www.search-institute.org/norms/ and http://www.search-institute.org/norms/gg2002.pdf

Adolescent girls typically are very concerned about their body image. For some, this concern leads to extreme eating and/or exercise behavior. They may restrict the amount of food they eat and/or exercise several hours a day. For some, this may be a sign of an emerging eating disorder. These behaviors are easily overlooked, and many young people consciously keep their condition a secret from parents and friends.

Research shows that roughly 3% of adolescents struggle with some form of eating disorder, and 90% of those struggling are females (Haines & Neumark-Sztainer, 2006). Parents often are unaware of the problem until the condition seriously endangers their child’s health. This might be avoided if parents were aware of the physical and psychological warning signs of eating disorders.

• Signs may include excessive fear of weight gain, severe restriction in the type and amount of food eaten, a desire to eat alone, withdrawal from family and friends, and denial of bad eating habits (Treasure, Van Furth, & Schmidt, 2003). Physical signs include absence of the menstrual cycle, dry or brittle hair, tooth decay, decreased energy, and often, marked weight loss (Treasure et. al., 2003).

Fast intervention and treatment are keys to reducing long term health effects of eating disorders and increasing the chance of a full recovery. Parents who suspect that their child has an eating disorder should consult their primary care provider and ask for a referral to a mental health professional or an eating disorders team who will provide evaluation, diagnosis, and multi-disciplinary treatment. (Thompson, 1996).

Families that heed the warning signs and arrange for proper intervention and treatment can reduce the prolonged effects of eating disorders, and increase their child’s chance of a full recovery.

Listening, learning, and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

• Podcast: Warnings signs of child/adolescent eating disorders, and treatment suggestions.


• Written by: Keri Pound & Amanda Mosher

References

Haines, J, Neumark-Sztainer, D. (2006). Prevention of obesity and eating disorders: a consideration of shared risk factors. Health Education Research, 1-13.

Thompson, K.J. (ed). (1996). Body image, eating disorders, and obesity: An integrative guide for assessment and treatment. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Treasure, J., Van Furth, E., & Schmidt, U. (eds). Handbook of eating disorders. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons.

Obesity is in the news just about every day, with concerns for family members from 5 to 105. But are the health risks the same for older and younger family members who carry excess weight, and is it appropriate for the elderly to try to lose excess body weight to improve health and quality of life?

First, obesity is on the rise among all people, including persons over 65 years old. Second, research shows that obesity can accelerate the decline in physical function seen in some older persons, potentially leading to a decline in quality of life including the ability to live independently. Also, although obese older adults may live as long as those at a healthier body weight, they are at higher risk for diabetes and other chronic diseases, and they spend considerably more on health care.

Some health professionals are reluctant to recommend weight loss for obese older adults due to concerns about potential adverse effects on muscle and bone mass. However, several studies have found that weight loss regimes can help older persons lose weight while improving physical function, quality of life, and medical conditions (like diabetes) that often are associated with obesity. To promote retention of muscle and bone mass, it is recommended that weight loss programs for older family members include weight-bearing exercise and adequate intake of protein, calcium and vitamin D.

Older adults who want to lose weight should first get a thorough medical check-up. If weight loss is recommended, they should choose a research-based weight management program, possibly offered by a local Extension office, or consult with a registered dietitian with weight management expertise.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Podcast: Weight Management in Older Adults
Written by: Linda Bobroff
Reviewed by: Donna Davis

References

Lakdawall DN, Goldman DP and Shang B. The health and cost consequences of obesity among the future elderly. Health Affairs. 2005 (Web exclusive) Available at: http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/full/hlthaff.w5.r30/DC1

Villareal DT, Apovian CM, Kushner RF and Klein S. Obesity in older adults: technical review and position statement of the American Society for Nutrition and NAASO, The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005;82:923-34.

Other Papers of Interest

Manini TM, Everhart JE, Patel KV, Schoeller DA, Colbert LH, Visser M, Tylavsky F, Bauer DC, Goodpaster BH and Harris TB. Daily activity energy expenditure and mortality among older adults. JAMA. 2006;296:171-79.

Flora Foods Recalls “Cerignola” Olives Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact:
Flora Foods
954-785-3100

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Pompano Beach, FL -- March 8, 2007 -- Flora Foods of Pompano Beach, Florida, is recalling its 25oz jars of "Cerignola Olives" because they have the potential to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium which can cause life-threatening illness or death. Consumers are warned not to use the product even if it does not look or smell spoiled.

Botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. Difficulty in breathing, weakness of other muscles, abdominal distension and constipation may also be common symptoms. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

The recalled "Cerignola" olives were distributed in Florida, Georgia and upstate New York in retail stores.

The product comes in a 25 oz, clear glass jar marked with LOT #G080 stamped on the label.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing found that the product had been underprocessed.

Distribution of the product has been suspended as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

Consumers who have purchased 25 oz jars of "Cerignola" olives are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 954-785-3100.

Keep up-to-date with the latest information regarding the peanut butter recalls directly from the FDA News.

Symptoms of foodborne illness caused by Salmonella include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. In persons with poor underlying health or weakened immune systems, Salmonella can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections or death. Individuals who have recently eaten peanut butter-containing products from these companies and who have experienced any of these symptoms should contact their doctor or health care provider immediately and report the illnesses to their state or local health authorities. Similarly, institutional food establishments and other food service providers who have received reports of illness from consumers after they consumed a product containing this peanut butter are encouraged to share that information with their local health department.