10 Common Health concerns among Teens

10 Common Health Concerns among Teens

   By  Dr Uche  Anyanwagu

The teenage period is a very delicate period that marks the transition between being a child and adulthood (10-19). This period poses a great social and health challenge. It involves experimentation and risk taking. Here, the teen biologically transforms to an adult but is unable to assume the roles of the adult. Also, peer influences and indulgence in certain harmful practices like teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, violence bullying, delinquency, etc. are so common during this period and so, it requires much attention and care.

What are the common health challenges? What should teens know and what should they do to prevent or reduce the effect of all these?

1.       Bad Breath (Halithosis): This is caused by odor producing bacteria that grow in the mouth. When you don�t brush and floss regularly, bacteria accumulate on the bits of food left in your mouth and between your teeth. The sulphur compounds released by these bacteria make your breath smell. Also certain things like garlic, onion and smoking can cause it. Make sure you brush your teeth, tongue and mouth properly and regularly.

2.       Childhood Obesity: Sadly in Nigeria, due to urbanization and career concerns, childhood obesity is on the rise. Parents have little or no time to prepare balanced meals for their children or even guide them in their choices of food. This has led to a serious concern as obese children are at risk of diabetes and heart disease. They are also likely to experience a lowered quality of life, an increased likelihood of contracting several serious disorders and a potential reduction in life expectancy. It is only by eating well and doing physical activity that this can be avoided.

3.       Drug Abuse:There is a rise in the trend of drug abuse among teens in Nigeria today. This ranges from the abuse of prescription of medicine, over the counter drugs including cough syrups, alcohol, marijuana, cannabis, and some inhalants. This leads to mental issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or emotional or behavioral disorders. The key to preventing this is through proper family guidance and supervision of the children�s activities, establishment of quality drug-rehab programme and use of psychologists/guidance counselors in schools.

4.       Smoking:Many young people in Nigeria today are taking up smoking. A hood percentage smoke cigarette each day, nearly 6,000 children under 18 start smoking, and nearly one third of those youth become regular smokers. Cigarette smoking during childhood and adolescence produces significant health problems, including an increase in respiratory illness, decreased physical fitness, and potential retardation in lung growth and lung function. Prevention is the key here. Don�t start, for stopping it might be so difficult. Make sure your children know that you disapprove the habit and set a good example by avoiding cigarettes yourself.

5.       Depression:Teenage years are full of changes and stress, with increasing expectations and added responsibilities, teenagers feel down from time to time, but if this persist, it leads to depression. The signs include: a feeling of sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, loneliness and emptiness; change in sleeping and eating habits; withdrawal from family friends or thoughts of suicide. To overcome this, talk to your parents, close relatives or friend whom you can trust with your emotions; even to your teachers or school counselor.

6.       Acne:This is a skin condition that shows up as different types of bumps. Teens get acne because of the hormonal changes that come with puberty. Changing hormones cause acnes, which is why so many young people get it during puberty or right before their periods. These hormones stimulates the glands in your pores if there is too much sebum and too many dead skin cells. Bacteria (especially, the one called propionibacterium acnes) can then get trapped inside the pores and multiply, causing swelling and redness. Washing of the face twice daily with soap and some acne ointment can serve as an antidote to reduce this.

7.       Menstrual Disorders: For the girls, the hormonal changes that accompany the puberty stage bring about menses. However, the age varies. It is usually between the ages of 12-13 (range: 10-17). The start of menstruation is usually a mixture of excitement and anxiety. It may be ok, difficult, delayed or confusing. No menstruation after 17 is called primary amenorrhea. At times, it may come then stop (secondary amenorrhea); it may be painful; or irregular (though this can be normal for teenagers). The flow may be scanty or copious, and the duration maybe too short or too long. When these arise, it is advised that you consult your doctor.

8.       Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): there is a high rate of STIs among sexually active teens. STIs include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Genital Herpes Simplex, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Syphilis, Trichoonas, etc. female teens are more prone to STIs than their male counterparts due to their anatomy which encourages delayed diagnosis and treatment. Also, any untreated STI can lead to complications in women.

9.       Infectious Disease: Teenagers are often faced with a barrage of infectious disease; Ranging from cough, the respiratory tract infections. Common cold catches all of us from time to time. The symptoms of cold are often a tickle in throat, a runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing. Teens with cold may have a sore throat, cough, headache, mild fever. Nasal discharge may change from watery to thick yellow or green.

10.   Teenage pregnancy: This is becoming of great rising concern to all. The rate is about 21% in Nigeria, meaning that one out of every 5 teens is likely to get pregnant as a teens. In addition to increased health risks to mother and baby, there are a number of social and socio economic concern as well. Education about sex and encouragement of abstinence is the key.

Conclusion

The teens of today are the adult of tomorrow. A healthy teens� group will translate into a healthy adult group. A sick teens� group promises bleak future. So we encourage our teens of today to lead healthy lifestyle and avoid the health issues discussed above so that the future of our great nation, our world, our future, will indeed be bright.