TEENS: Do you avoid or limit junk foods, get proper rest and exercise, and ration your time watching television? If you answer these questions with a yes, congratulations! However you are the exception, not the rule.

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, children in America — ages 18 and younger — are adding unwanted pounds at an alarming rate. In the past 15 years the percentage of significantly overweight children has almost doubled. Earlier studies show that it took 30 years for the overweight percentage to double, and this is cause for worry.

Among the reasons given for this increase: watching far too much television, talking or texting on their cell-phones, spending hours on their computers, playing video games, and busy parents who often rely on fast food to feed their families.

A word of caution, and also an important reminder: Obese teens usually spend their entire lives being overweight!

CONTACT YOUR FORMER SOCIAL WORKER

DR. WALLACE: When I was just 16, I was pregnant and my foster mother encouraged me to have the baby and give it up for adoption. My baby was a boy and I really wanted to keep him. However, my foster mother and my social worker convinced me that it would be better for both the baby and me if a loving married couple adopted him.

I'm now 19 years old and living on my own and I would like to have my son returned to me. I recently found my own mother who has offered to care for him while I'm working as a cosmetologist. I'm sure I can comfortably take care of my son. What do I need to do to get my son back again? - Olivia, Pecos, Tex.

OLIVIA: If your son was legally adopted, I seriously doubt that a court would return him to you. He is now 3 years old and has bonded with his adoptive parents. I understand that you sorely miss your son, but you must remember that what's best for the child is of the utmost importance. Interrupting his familiar routine and taking him away from his family would be traumatic, and if you did this, he might not accept you as his mother.

This may sound harsh, but it's the truth. Continue to wish happiness for your son, but try as best you can to get on with your life. A birth mother, in rare occasions, might have contact with her child if the adoptive parents are willing to allow this. You should contact your former social worker who will be able to advise you.

KISS AND MAKE UP

DR. WALLACE: My boyfriend and I are also best friends. We have been dating for over six months and we've never had a major disagreement or argument. We have similar interests and always enjoy our time together.

I have an aunt who is very close to me and she can't seem to grasp the fact that we have no disagreements. She thinks it's unbelievable that we never have to "kiss and make up" occasionally.

Ken and I do kiss, but it's because we really care for (love?) each other very much. What do you think about this? — Angie, Mesa, Ariz.

ANGIE: I think your aunt has been watching too many soap operas. Would she suggest you injure yourself just so you can experience the joy of healing? I don't think so.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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