Dear Parents,
We all know that being overweight is bad for your health. With the holiday season approaching, you may be readier than ever to get serious about weight loss. This issue contains some commonsense tips about body shape, metabolism, and weight-loss programs.

Also in this issue: Kids, drugs, and alcohol – what you should know and how you can help; and information on preventing injuries, making your home safer, and putting together a first-aid kit.

From the Editors at FamilyEducation.com

Be realistic about your weight-loss goals, and your overall health will benefit.

Have you talked – really talked – to your child about drugs and alcohol? It's never too late to start.

• Cigarettes: Don't Believe the Hype
• Smoking Habits of Middle-Schoolers
• Save Your Teen from Smoking
• Tobacco Addiction Is Real
• Helping a Teenager Quit Smoking

• Drug and Alcohol Abuse Among Adolescents
• Teens and Alcohol: A Lethal Combination
• Talking with Your Teen
• Substance Abuse on Campus
• More on Kids, Drugs, and Alcohol

There are steps you can take to prevent injury, but you should be prepared for unforeseen accidents.

• Preventing Injuries
• Injury, Illness, and Stress
• Sports-Specific Injuries
• Make Your Home a Safer Place
• Scooter Safety

• The Dangers of Soccer
• Kids and Weight Lifting
• Treating Ankle Injury
• How to Treat Cuts
• Carry-Along First-Aid Kit
• Teaching Kids First Aid