Karen Pallarito

Keeping an open dialogue with your teens can help prevent risky behaviors.

Aside from nixing soda and junk food, the age-old rule still applies: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Among sports practices, college prep and studying for finals, there are more than a few ways students can get overwhelmed. Managing these stress factors is key in avoiding depression, anxiety and other conditions.

Establishing a healthy pattern of restful sleep may be key to avoiding depression and obesity. The first step? Shutting off the electronics at night.

And no, helmets don’t help. While not the most common sports-related injury, concussions pose a serious threat to a victim’s mental and physical capabilities.

This time, it’s not just about the hand sanitizers and vaccines. Patterns of behavior and common injuries can have lasting effects on a young person’s life, well past their teenage years.

Ronald I. Jacobson, MD, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center

Matthew Weissler, MD, WestMed Medical Group

Steven B. Zelicof, MD Sound Shore Medical Center

Madhu Rangraj, MD, Sound Shore Medical Center