Gifted, Purposed and Created for Success

Everyday Adolescents are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate through the daily challenges of life. They often know that they are wonderfully created and purposed by God but find it hard to balance their faith and lifestyle as they encounter the adversities of life. Parents and Caregivers are confronted with many challenges in providing guidance to adolescents and are often competing with the impact of social media. During my decades of pediatric practice, the most common questions parents/caregivers asked centered around counseling their tweens and teens on making healthy lifestyle choices. This journal provides talking points for parents/caregivers to start the conversation about healthy living, as well as the science behind the recommendations for healthy lifestyle changes. As a shared journal, it allows parents and youth to review and discuss their experiences together, and how to support and encourage each other to improve mental, physical, spiritual, and relational health.

 Gina Morgan-Smith, MD is a board -certified Christian pediatrician. Dr. Morgan-Smith has practiced pediatrics in a variety of settings including serving as medical director for school-based health programs and integrated behavioral health programs as well as providing services for youth at risk, community health and private practice. In each of these venues Dr. Morgan-Smith has spent countless hours listening and counseling youth on healthy lifestyles. Dr. Morgan-Smith has received additional training in trauma and resiliency as well as stress management. She has a personal and professional interest on the impact of childhood adversities and toxic stress on mental, physical and spiritual health.