Britney, Paris, Lindsay. They're so notorious, they don't even need last names anymore.

Then there's Vanessa Hudgens, Miley Cyrus and Britney's little sister, Jamie Lynn Spears.

Between the six of these teen (and even 'tween) idols, their headline-grabbing exploits have included drug and alcohol use, rehab, sex, teen pregnancy and photos in various states of undress.

The celebrity-dominated media make it nearly impossible to avoid their mistakes. So parents shouldn't even try, a Baylor College of Medicine expert says. Instead, use their transgressions as a teaching experience to show your kids the value of making good decisions and the consequences of making bad ones, he said.

Adolescents and teens can be exposed to drugs, alcohol, sex and other unhealthy activities simply by reading about their favorite
celebrity. And in all likelihood, they're already talking about these issues with friends.

As a parent, the first step is to talk with your kids about what they've heard and what they think about the situation, said Dr. John Sargent, professor of pediatrics, psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor.

''Be sure to make it an open conversation,'' he said.

Parents should discuss their own feelings about the situation and remind their children that privacy is difficult to maintain as a celebrity and that there are two sides to every story — a lesson that can relate to the gossip kids experience in their own lives.

''Use these opportunities to talk about choices, behaviors and friends,'' Sargent said.

'Fit Teen' program

Kids are heavier and more out of shape than ever. Since 1980, the number of overweight teens has tripled. And the cause is obvious: eating too much and exercising too little.

To help turn the tide for some local teens, Liberty Fitness & Weight Loss in Fairlawn is offering free summer memberships to teen girls.

The ''Fit Teen'' program offers girls 13 to 19 a free Liberty membership from June 1 through Aug. 30, with access to all cardio equipment, circuit training and exercise classes.

To sign up your teen girl, visit Liberty at 25 Ghent Road, Fairlawn, or call 330-835-3750 for a reservation.

Food-buying safety

Protecting yourself against food poisoning doesn't start with cooking or preparation or picnic arrangements. It starts at the grocery store, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Considering that food-borne ailments cause about 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,200 deaths nationwide each year, it's important to follow the FDA's suggestions. When shopping for food, the FDA says you should:

• Ask yourself, ''What is the general impression of this facility? Does it look and smell clean?''

• Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood separated from other foods in your shopping cart. Place these foods in plastic bags to prevent their juices from dripping on other foods.

• Inspect cans and jars. Don't buy food in cans that are bulging or dented, or in jars that are cracked or have loose or bulging lids — all of which are signs of possible contamination.

• Inspect frozen food packaging. Packages should not be open, torn or crushed on the edges. Avoid packages that are above the frost line in the store's freezer. Frost or ice crystals may mean that the food in the package has either been stored for a long time or thawed and refrozen.

• Put meat, poultry fish and eggs in your shopping cart last.

• Make sure eggs are clean and free of cracks. Buy only refrigerated eggs and follow the ''Safe Handling Instructions'' on the carton.

• Pay attention to time and temperature. Refrigerate perishable products as soon as possible after grocery shopping. Harmful bacteria can multiply if left at room temperature longer than two hours.