90% of teens have access to the internet. 50% of those kids have a profile on a social networking site such as MySpace or Facebook. Two recent studies took a look at teen's risky behavior, how they talk about it online, and what can be done to intervene.

Teens are doing many risky things - having sex, having unprotected sex, drinking, smoking, using drugs. One of the studies had doctors email information to teens who discussed what risky things they had been doing on their internet profiles. The doctor's email suggested that the information be deleted from the profile. It also included information on how to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases. A significant number of these teens who got the email did delete this information from their profile.

Teens are not necessarily thinking about how their profile will affect them in the future when applying to college or trying to get a job. Additionally, they are publicly admitting to making poor choices. It is difficult to say what the ramifications of these things are, but I don't think the outcomes are favorable.

I strongly suggest that every parent stop by their child's profile on sites such as Facebook or MySpace. I know that not every teen has a public profile (which might be a good thing), but perhaps parents could make it a rule that they can access the teen's profile in exchange for the privilege of computer access. Now, if you find something questionable on the site - what do you do? I think that your pediatrician or family health care provider could be a great ally. Ask your provider if he or she would send a quick email to your teen addressing the concerning behavior. It will also be important that your teens hears from you about how you feel about the situation. These risky behaviors threaten our teen's lives - it's up to us to help them make the best choices.

After having minor surgery a month ago, the nurse instructed my husband to pick up a prescription for a pain medication for when I went home. I asked her if I could get a paper prescription because I didn't think I would use it, and preferred not to have it in the house. She agreed, but seemed a little puzzled. I didn't want to pay for a drug I may never use, and one that could easily be abused.

Abuse of prescription medications is on the rise in teenagers. They are getting them from home, from a grandparents house, from another relative, and from each other. They are selling them to each other at school, or bringing them to parties. They are taking handfuls of them, not knowing what they are taking, and washing them down with a beer. Sound dangerous? It is.

I challenge each parent to go through the family's medicine chest and get rid of any unnecessary medications. If there are things that must be in the house, particularly medications that can be abused like pain medications or drugs used for psychiatric issues, it's important to monitor the number of pills and number of refills. Grandparents can also be an easy target, so discuss with them your concerns and how you can help them to keep their medications safe.

Did I think our teen would take those pills? No, but why provide the temptation?

We have all heard that if you have a "fitness" buddy, you are more likely to exercise. How about a New Year's Resolution for the entire family? Or for Mom and teen tdaughter? Or Grandpa and teen grandson?

This resolution can look however you want it to look. If there are a few people who are interested in getting healthier this year, then brainstorm ways to make it happen. It could be joining a gym, committing to a weekend hike each Saturday, or just taking the dogs out for a walk everyday - whatever you choose, team up and do it! I have a lot of fond memories of doing workout video tapes in my living room with my mom and, later, exercising at a local gym where my sister worked. I'd love to hear anyone's ideas for a family fitness resolution!

The FDA has just recommended that the use of the drugs Foradil and Serevent be restricted. The concern is that these two drugs, known as long-acting beta-agonists or LABAs, can mask the symptoms of a life-threatening asthma attack. Drugs that contain LABAs in combination with other drugs like inhaled steroids will remain on the market. Advair is one of these combination medications, and it will still be recommended for use in teens.

For years I had read about the dangers of the LABA class of drug. The primary concern is that the use of these drugs alone (without a steroid) lead to a higher incidence of death from an asthma attack. I am glad to see that the FDA has come out against the use of this class of drug in all patients, including teenagers.

If your teenager has asthma and is on Foradil, Serevent, or another long-acting beta agonist, contact your pediatric provider immediately. It is important for your child's asthma to be managed appropriately, so don't hesitate to discuss your concerns with the person who is there to protect your teen's health.