Moms, Dads Worry as Summer Season Begins

MONDAY, May 29 (HealthDay News) -- Memorial Day marks the start of summer fun for America's teens -- and, according to a new survey, the start of a season of worry for many of their parents.

The survey from the National Parent Teacher Association found that about 25 percent of parents of young teens were very or extremely concerned about their young teen's health during summer. Heat exhaustion was listed as the top concern by 35 percent of parents, and 75 percent said they'd insist that their young teens wear sunscreen.

Nearly 30 percent of parents said they believed it was very or extremely important to take their adolescent to the doctor for a summer health visit, and almost two out of three parents believed it was extremely important to get young teens vaccinated against infectious diseases.

Ninety-two percent of parents planned to maintain open communications with their children to ensure they have a safe summer, and 41 percent said they were very or extremely concerned about their teens making proper decisions in unsafe situations.

One-third of parents said it was important for their young teens to have a summer job to learn work ethic and responsibility. The survey also found that 95 percent of parents wanted their young teens to be active and fit, and 81 percent planned to provide their young teen with healthy food choices this summer.

To help parents keep their young teens happy, healthy and active over the summer, the National PTA launched a campaign called "Summer Break -- What's at Stake?" It provides parents and caregivers with information about how to keep young teens healthy this summer.

"It's clear from the survey results that parents are aware that certain health and lifestyle risks may pose a threat to their young teens. We encourage parents across the nation to take an active role in preparing their children for the great summer they deserve," Anna Weselak, president of the National PTA, said in a prepared statement.

More information

Here's where you can find out more about the PTA's Summer Break -- What's at Stake? campaign.

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