Your actions speak louder than your words.
Your teens are watching what you do. What they see will affect how they behave. If you want them to be healthy, you need to take care of your own health.

You are the greatest influence on your teen.
Studies show that teens are more likely to use alcohol or other drugs, if their parents use them.^1,2 Research also shows that when parents are good role models teens do better in life. They have better social skills, health habits, and coping skills. And they do better in school.³

Take care of your health and safety, so they'll take care of theirs.

General Health

See a doctor at least once a year. This may be the most important thing you can do for your health. Make sure your teen sees a doctor every year, too.
You may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through RIte Care/RIte Share. Call (401) 462-5300 for assistance in English or Spanish, or (401) 462-3363 TTY.

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

Drink alcohol responsibly. Have no more than 1 or 2 drinks a day. If you think you have a problem with drinking, tell your doctor. He or she can help you get help.
Show your teens that you can have a good time without alcohol or drugs at social gatherings. Part of why teens try alcohol or drugs is because they see adults using them to have fun. They see it as an "adult" thing to do.
Don't use alcohol as a way to handle problems or stress. Try other ways, like talking to a close friend, exercising or going for walks.
Never drive after drinking. If you are away from home and have been drinking, get a ride home from someone who hasn't. Tell your teen never to get into a car if the driver has been drinking - no matter what.
If you smoke, tell them you are quitting. Set a date to quit within 30 days. If you have had a hard time quitting, talk to your teens about it. They will respect you for being honest. Trytostop.org can help. Call 1-800-TRY-TO-STOP / 1-800-8-DEJALO (Spanish) / 1-800-TDD-1477 (TDD).

Sexual Health

Be sexually responsible. Think about your behavior and how it will influence your teens.
Treat your spouse or partner with love and respect. Your teens learn from you how to have good relationships.
Learn the facts about sex, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). This will help you make healthy choices for yourself. It will also help you answer your teens' questions. Remember… not having sexual intercourse is the only 100% effective way to avoid HIV/AIDS, other STDs, and unintended pregnancy. If used correctly, every time, condoms also provide good protection against HIV/AIDS, other STDs, and unintended pregnancy.
Consider getting tested for HIV/AIDS and for other STDs. People who have had unprotected sex or who have had sex with multiple partners, are at risk. Call the Department of Health, Office of Communicable Diseases at 401-222-2577 for information about testing.

Diet and Exercise

Eat a variety of healthy foods. Try to eat 5 fruits or vegetables a day. Eat whole grain foods. Serve healthy foods to your family.
Limit junk food (food with a lot of fat, sugar, or salt). Snacking is okay, but try to keep healthier snacks around, instead.
Don't overeat. Stop when you feel full - even if your plate isn't empty. Don't push your children to clear their plates if they are full.
Stay active. Try to do 30-60 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. You don't have to wear yourself out. A brisk walk or yard work will do.
Be active with your teens. Your teens should do at least an hour of moderate or vigorous exercise every day. Go for a walk together. Play a game or sport. Have fun together, while you get healthy.
If you are overweight, talk to your doctor about losing weight. He or she can help you set realistic goals. Create a healthy diet and exercise plan together.

Of course, no one is perfect. You can't do everything. But you can do your best.

Just remember: what you do affects your teens' lives, as well as your own.

1 National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2000). "Make a difference: Talk to your child about alcohol." p.16
2 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2003). Parental Influences on Adolescent Marijuana Use and the Baby Boom Generation.
3 Simpson, A.R. (1997). Raising Teens: A Synthesis of Research and a Foundation for Action. Boston: Center for Health Communication, Harvard School of Public Health. pp. 59.