Teen Health...

Around 1 in 6 persons in the world is an adolescent: that is between the ages of 10 to 19years (WHO). This is the age group that is least catered for medically.… 

Promoting healthy practices during adolescence, and taking steps to better protect young people from health risks are critical for the prevention of health problems in adulthood.

Parents tend to have a high level of involvement in managing the health of babies and young children. As their children become teens and young adults, however, we often see a decline in regular, proactive health care visits and a gap in health-oriented discussions. Also, this age group are becoming more aware of themselves and often find it difficult to discuss what is troubling them or what they are passing through. They find themselves turning to the internet or their fellow age-mates. This way they can get so many misguided information.

Some health issues of this group includes but not limited to-

-Early pregnancy and complications. This involves early childbirth and abortions and the complications that can arise from both. Better access to contraceptive information and services can reduce the number of girls becoming pregnant and giving birth at too young an age.

-HIV. Young people need to know how to protect themselves and have the means to do so.

-Substance abuse. Harmful drinking and use of illegal drugs among adolescents is a major concern in many countries. It reduces self-control and increases risky behaviours, such as unsafe sex. It is a primary cause of injuries (including those due to road traffic accidents), violence (among themselves) and premature deaths. It also can lead to health problems in later life and affect life expectancy.  

-Violence. This is mainly as a result of substance abuse/influence, access to firearms, lack or diminishing nurturing relationship with parents and peer-group influence.

-Mental health. Depression is the top cause of illness and disability among adolescents and suicide is the third cause of death (WHO). Violence, poverty, humiliation and feeling devalued can increase the risk of developing mental health problems.

-Malnutrition. Obesity and excess weight loss (Cachexia) as well as being a health condition on their own can also make people more vulnerable to disease and early death. Plus, this age group are exercising less and spending more time in front of the television, computers and their phones.

As mentioned earlier, most adolescents are healthy, but there is still significant death, illness and diseases among adolescents. Illnesses can limit their ability to grow and develop to their full potential.