Kids sometimes look as if they're glued to their cell phones. If they could only complete their homework as quickly as they can send text messages, they'd really be set. Even better: Maybe text messaging could also help them lose weight.

Researchers are actually questioning if text messaging could become a weight management tool. We already know that keeping a journal of weight loss or other health-related goals is a tried and true method. However, many people can't stick to journaling for the long-term because it can become tedious. A recent study followed three groups -- one that monitored health goals through text messaging, one that kept a paper journal, and one that didn't self-monitor progress at all. The study included children (ages 5-13) and their parents. The group reporting progress via text message had a lower attrition rate and had significantly greater adherence to self-monitoring.

I think keeping track of weight loss progress through text messaging is a great idea -- it's convenient and it could offer instant feedback. However, I question whether it's a good idea for children and teens. Weight loss is obviously the primary goal when a child or teen is obese, but another goal must be protecting/correcting the child's relationship with food and bolstering their self-esteem. Will reporting their progress through text messaging be motivating or demeaning? What do you think?

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Think of your cell phone as a diet coach, your quit-smoking partner, your own personal health manager. Really. Just sign up with these three companies and your cell phone will help you stay well.

INTELECARE
For $5 a month, text messages, e-mails, or voice mail reminders will alert you about prescriptions and appointments.

QUITEXT
If you wish to kick your smoking habit and have a spare $20, supportive tips and advice will come your way for six weeks.

SENSEI
You log your weight-loss goals and fitness habits and you'll get daily meal recommendations and weekly grocery shopping lists. Motivational notes too. All for $6 per week.

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Have you recently been through a serious break up? Are you still mourning the break up? A clue to tell if you have really gone on with your life is to look around the house. Do you still have old pictures of the two of you out and do you still have souvenirs that you collected together on trips. Have you kept an old phone message that occasionally you listen to or is there a piece of clothing still hanging in your closet from your ex that you haven't returned or thrown in the trash? It is a good chance that you are still lingering in the relationship. It's time to clear the clutter in your house and in your mind and take that first step into the freedom of happy thoughts again.

It's time to get back out and start laughing with friends again. Quit feeling guilty or pointing blame and accept what is done and walk away. Get to know yourself again and what you value most in life and what makes you happy. Spend some time pampering yourself because you deserve it. Take time to honestly reflect on the things, habits, morals, judgments of your past relationships and know what does not work with your needs. Recognizing those things will save yourself some future pain and heartache by getting into the same patterns over and over. Standing on your own two feet will make you stronger and you will realize that you don't just have to accept the first person that comes along if they do not have the qualities that you desire. The sooner you can be truly happy with yourself the sooner you will clear the way for the love you really want in your life.