tree happy!

Becoming one with nature may prove beneficial to more than our planet. According to recent research, exposure to trees and other plants can ward o symptoms of teen depression. In a study by the Journal of Adolescent Health, over 9,000 adolescent children were analyzed. As predicted based on former studies, children who lived in treepopulated areas were far less likely to show signs of being depressed. Scientists also tested other factors in teen depression such as proximity to water—these variables were not substantial. The conclusion? Take a hike, hug a tree, parent plant-children—go outside!

According to research published by the Clinical Psychological Science Journal, teens who spend five or more hours a day on their smartphones or computers mindlessly scrolling social media sites were 71 percent more likely than those who limit their online presence to have suicidal symptoms.

Still, these figures may not make much sense to bystanders. How is it that social media so adversely a ects adolescents? One theory is that teens have started to replace real people with virtual “friends.” The risk for suicide increases the more socially isolated one feels. Another suggestion is that teens who are distracted by their phones are sleeping less. It is easy to get caught up and lose track of time—more so when you are occupied by a smartphone.

Thankfully, there are e orts in a ect to help combat the use of smartphones and social media in hopes to decrease teen depression. Talk to your children about the dangers of social media and help them implement the following steps toward a healthy mind.

supervise your child’s ocial media accounts

Although your children may be hesitant to accept your online “friend” requests, many parents have found it beneficial to keep an eye on their child’s social media pages. Together, you can determine based on posts and comments who their online associates should be. Cyberbullying is not to be tolerated under any circumstances.

Make Ure Teens Get Enough Leep

Scientists have found that social media is negatively a ecting teenagers’ sleep schedules. To solve this problem, it’s recommended that families limit smartphone use to common areas of the house only—no bedrooms allowed. Another option is to give smartphones an earlier bedtime than your child. For example, no technology one hour before they go to sleep.

Get To Know Their Friends

Encourage your teenager to invite their friends to your home. Create an environment that your adolescent will feel comfortable in with their friends. PRO TIP: full refrigerator, happy teenager.

Do Omething Fun

Boredom is often a result of excessive social media usage. A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society stated that families who spend time together are happier overall. Visit an amusement park, watch a movie or make a meal together. Spend time with the ones you love rather than with people through a screen. Sources: lifehack.org, bustle.com,

Emergency

Not all signs of an emergency are obvious. Ongoing symptoms like indigestion, shortness of breath and chest pain could be an emergency in disguise. Thankfully, an Ocala Health ER is here to help. With dedicated emergency experts and faster wait times, you can trust us for even better care. We’re here 24/7 to help you through any emergency — even the tricky ones.