Teens need sleep

Another reason adolescents need more sleep was discovered in a new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The CDC analyzed 50,000 questionnaires given to adolescents.  Teens who got less than 7 hours sleep were more likely to engage in risky behavior versus those who slept 9 hours a night.  This type of …

All teenagers should be screened for depression

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is now recommending all pediatricians and physicians screen for depression in adolescents.  Clinical Depression effects approximately 8% of youth ages 12-18.  This is a much needed recommendation as physicians are usually the first line of adolescent mental health.  Physicians are now being called to screen and then have a system …

concussions occur not only in football

Coppell Middle Schooler Nicolas Reyes studied concussions for a Science Fair Project that won first prize.  Then he suffered one playing soccer.  Football head injuries have thankfully received a tremendous amount of news coverage and attention of late.  There’s even an award winning movie starring Will Smith that is currently in theaters.  Nicolas is part of landmark study …

A Dallas Middle School’s relationship driven discipline

My best friend who happens to be a family therapist in East Texas is fond of telling everyone that “rules without relationship equals rebellion.”  He’s found that principle applies to most every family he’s met and I agree.  That also could be applied to our schools.  At Medrano Middle School in the Dallas I.S.D. they have …