Scholastic Choices articles from February 2006

Scholastic Choices archives from February 2006

Battling bad breath.(research)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Scientists at King's College in London, England, have discovered that a type of bacteria already present in the human mouth can actually work to freshen bad breath odors. These researchers foresee that mouthwashes and toothpastes will someday...

The skin you're in.(Amazing Skin: A Girl's Guide to Naturally Beautiful Skin )(Brief Article)(Book Review)
February 1, 2006... Amazing Skin: A Girl's Guide to Naturally Beautiful Skin (Drummond Publishing, 2005) offers fabulous tips for girls experiencing the skin changes that come with being a teenager. Do you have pimples? Blackheads? Dry skin? No matter what your...

Fatty Koo.(musical groups)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Some musical acts are just one person or a duo, and then there's Fatty Koo. The group has six members all between the ages of 15 and 21. They are Ron, 21, Eddie B, 20, Valure, 20, Marya, 18, Gabrielle, 17, and Joshua, 15. With so many members,...

Be wise when you buy.(websites)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Many teens love to buy stuff, and one of the most convenient places to shop is the Internet. But did you know that you can also use the Internet to become a better-informed consumer? It's true. Check out these two Web sites:...

Down and out: trying cocaine just once got this teen hooked, and his drug addiction almost ruined his life.(substance abuse)
February 1, 2006... SUMMARY: WHEN BLAYZE JENIAC WAS 15, HE TRIED COCAINE FOR THE FIRST TIME. WITHIN WEEKS, HE WAS ADDICTED. THIS ARTICLE CHRONICLES BLAYZE'S STRUGGLE AND EVENTUAL TRIUMPH OVER ADDICTION AND EXPLAINS THE DANGERS OF ABUSING COCAINE. DISCUSSION...

If you have a friend in recovery from a substance-abuse problem, here's how you can help him or her stay clean.
February 1, 2006... BE AVAILABLE TO TALK. Your pal may need to call someone in the middle of the night, just to talk. Make sure your friend knows that you'll discuss anything that's bothering him or her. HANG OUT AT PLACES THAT DON'T HAVE DRUGS OR ALCOHOL. The...

Test yourself.(cocaine addiction)
February 1, 2006... After reading the article on cocaine addiction, take this quiz. Check True or False for each statement. Answers are in the Teacher's Edition 1 Although cocaine is potent, it always takes months to get addicted to the drug after you start...

Risking infection: here's another reason to avoid cocaine.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... A recent study found that up to one third of cocaine users who thought they were healthy may actually be infected with hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in the blood of persons who...

The brain game: teens' brains are complex and fascinating. Find out why you sometimes make bad decisions and how you can train your brain to make good ones.(health)
February 1, 2006... SUMMARY: A LOOK AT THE LATEST RESEARCH ON TEEN BRAIN DEVELOPMENT, WHICH IS REVEALIIqG THAT THE REGION RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPULSE CONTROL AND DECISION-MAKING IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN ALL TEENAGERS. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS * Can you...

The sibling saga: do you have a sibling who constantly barges into your room or always pesters you with annoying jokes? You're not alone. You can cope with sibling rivalry.(family)
February 1, 2006... SUMMARY: THIS ARTICLE TACKLES THE ISSUE OF SIBLING RIVALRY. IT EXPLORES THE POSSIBLE EVOLUTIONARY ROOTS OF SIBLING RIVALRY AND PROVIDES ADVICE ON HOW SIBLINGS CAN IMPROVE THEIR RELATIONSHIPS. A QUIZ IS INCLUDED. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS *...

Respect check: do you consider yourself to be considerate of others? Take this quiz to see if your manners need a tune-up.(personal responsibility)
February 1, 2006... SUMMARY: DO YOUR STUDENTS HAVE GOOD MANNERS? DO THEY SHOW RESPECT TO OTHERS--AND TO THEMSELVES? LET THEM ANSWER THOSE QUESTIONS THEMSELVES WITH THE HELP OF THE QUIZ IN THIS ARTICLE ABOUT ETIQUETTE AND RESPECT FOR OTHERS. DISCUSSION...

Pizza pop quiz: everyone loves pizza, but how much do you really know about one of America's most beloved foods? Answer the questions below and then read on to see how you did.(nutrition)
February 1, 2006... SUMMARY: THIS ARTICLE, PRESENTED IN QUIZ FORM, GIVES READERS THE NUTRITIONAL LOWDOWN ON A FAVORITE TEEN FOOD: PIZZA. IT ALSO INCLUDES FUN FACTS ABOUT PIZZA AND PIZZA CONSUMPTION FACTS IN THE UNITED STATES. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS * Why do...

Prescription drugs: their use and abuse.
February 1, 2006... Prescription drugs have helped millions of people with any number of medical problems. Many people wouldn't even be alive without these medicines. But you've probably noticed that prescription drugs come with warnings such as: Caution: Federal...

Terrific toast: our teen chef's French toast is different than traditional versions, but every bit as delicious.(recipe 101)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Ingredients 1 loaf of Italian bread 3 large eggs 1/2 stick of butter, softened to room temperature 2 cups of milk 2 tablespoons of sugar 1 teaspoon of cinnamon Note: This recipe serves six people What To Do: 1...

On the edge: Dr. Marjorie Seidenfeld answers your health questions.(self cutting)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... I am 15 years old and recently had a problem with my mom and dad. I felt I couldn't take it anymore so I started cutting myself. That was the worst thing I've ever done. I realized afterward that my problems with my parents didn't change after...

Spending vs. saving: do you buy now or save for later? These tips can help you manage your money wisely.
February 1, 2006... Say you just got paid from your part-time job, or you've just celebrated a birthday and your grandparents gave you money. What are you going to do with your cash? One of the best ways to handle money is to apply the third-third-third approach....

Business of bling: this teen turned rejection into opportunity and now runs a successful business.(Natasha Spedalle)
February 1, 2006... When Natasha Spedalle was 14 years old, she wanted a part-time job at a fashionable clothing store. But all the store managers told her she was too young to work. Rather than feel sorry for herself, Natasha decided to create her own job. ...

Kid watch: here's how to stay calm while baby-sitting so everyone--including you--stays safe and has fun.(your life)
February 1, 2006... 1 Don't work for strangers. Stick to baby-sitting for people you already know, like friends of your parents or responsible adults. Before accepting a job, do a word-of-mouth background check on anyone you sit for, and always get your parents'...

Stepping up: advice from Choices readers.(sticky situation)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... the problem SOME PEOPLE WANT TO STEP UP AND BE LEADERS. THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO DO. BUT I DON'T WANT TO BE BOSSY. PLEASE HELP ME FIGURE OUT HOW TO BE A GOOD LEADER. --WANTS TO LEAD DEAR WANTS TO LEAD, Practice by leading your...

Thank you for using Choices in your classroom!
February 1, 2006... WELCOME TO THE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2006 ISSUE OF CHOICES, a magazine that's about family and consumer science, health, and life skills. Our cover story is about Blayze Jeniac, an 18-year-old teen, who is in recovery from an addiction to the drug...