COMMON HEALTH CONCERN AMONG TEENAGERS AND SOLUTIONS

COMMON HEALTH CONCERN AMONG TEENAGERS AND SOLUTIONS

      

Adolescence has traditionally been viewed as a time of optimal health. And broadly speaking, adolescence is understood to mean the period between childhood and adulthood. Although the precise age range it encompasses is debatable, it is agreed that during this period young people experience rapid physical and cognitive growth, reach puberty, and move from the relative security of childhood to confront an array of social and other life challenges. Adolescents are defined here as 10- to 19-year-old and are currently 13.9 percent of the U.S. population. They are generally healthy, yet an overview of the health status of this demographic group illustrates the breadth of the public health challenge they present.

Though, adolescence has a low mortality rates and relatively low rates of disability and chronic disease, but concern about health status of adolescence has increased in recent years. And a major reason for concern pertains to the preventable nature of most causes of adolescence morbidity and mortality.

Also, preventable behaviours and social environmental conditions also contribute substantially to morbidity among adolescence. And these include; child obesity, drug abuse, stress, smoking, unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease.

CHILD OBESITY

Childhood obesity continues to outrank all other health problems as the number one concern for children in Nigeria. While rates of childhood obesity have tripled in the last twenty five years, putting many children at risk for diabetes and heart disease according to academic report in pediatric. Overweight and obese children are also likely to experience a lower quality of life, an increased likelihood of contracting several serious disorders and a potential reduction in life expectancy. There are numerous approaches to treating childhood obesity, but all boil down to a change in diet and lifestyle. Learning to eat well and incorporate physical activity into daily life can be made simple by getting help from a weight-loss camp for children and teens. Obesity, a chronic illness that can have profound effects on health as well as social and economic consequences, is likely to be a lifelong problem for those who experience it during adolescence: 80 percent of all young people who are obese on their 18th birthday are likely to remain so throughout their lives. Rates of asthma also increased from the early 1980s through 1995 (with a decline since 1995 that may reflect an altered definition of chronic asthma (Akinbami, 2006).

DRUG ABUSE

According to the UN national poll, thirty six percent of Nigerian adults rate drug abuse as a serious problem for children. In fact, drug abuse has held the number-two spot since 2007. Although, rates of illegal drug abuse among teens have been declining over the past few years, abuse of prescription medications remain at high levels, according to the latest survey by the national institute on drug abuse. Despite the prevalence of the teen drug abuse, the key to combating drug abuse among children and adolescents is finding high quality drug rehab programs that specialize in treating youth. There are number of wilderness therapy program, teen residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools that focus on preventing and treating adolescent substance abuse. These therapeutic programs for teens have proven highly effective in stopping drug abuse and addressing co-occurring mental health issues and getting teens back on track in school.

SMOKING

It is estimated that at least 4.5 million Nigerian adolescent are cigarette smokers. Each day nearly six thousand (6,000) children under eighteen start smoking and nearly one third youth become regular smokers. Cigarette smoking during childhood and adolescence produce significant health problems, including an increase in respiratory illness, decrease physical fitness, and potential retardation in lung growth and lung function. Prevention is critical when it comes to teen smoking, make sure your children know that you disapprove the habit.

STRESS

A study by the University of Michigan found one third of teens feel stressed out on daily basis. The survey reported that high stress teens are twice as likely as low stress teens to smoke and use illegal drug. Your children can learn to keep stress under control by taking good care of themselves (e.g. getting enough sleep, eating a well-balanced diet and exercising every day) it may also be helpful to learn relaxation techniques, find outlets for fun and recreation.

TEEN PREGNANCY

Approximately one-third of young women in Nigeria become pregnant during their teenage years, this increase health risk to mother and baby. There are a number of social and socio economic concerns as well. Education sex and consequences of pregnancy are essential to lower teen pregnancy rates.

SUMMARY

In summary, the presentations and discussions key points centre on the most prevalent health concern among teenagers some teen health issues and preventive care include:

�         Measure your height, weight, and blood pressure.

�         Order tests (such as a check for anemia, a cholesterol level once in teenage years) to check your general health, find certain diseases, or determine if you are at risk for certain health problems.

�         Check young men for hernias and testicular cancer and teach testicular self-examination.

�         Screen for sexually transmitted diseases with a simple urine test (for girls and guys).

�         Teach young girls after age 20 years on how to perform a self-breast examination, and educate on when to obtain a pelvic examination. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommends a pelvic examination at age 21 years, or 3 years after having started sexual intercourse. Girls no longer need a pelvic examination just because they have turned 18 years of age.

�         Check your immunization record and catch you up on any necessary booster shots (to reduce the risk of contracting chicken pox, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, hepatitis, human papillomavirus, diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus).

�         Check your vision and hearing if not done elsewhere.

�         Check your teeth for signs of tooth decay, abnormal tooth development, dental injuries and other oral health problems.

�         Ask you about potentially harmful behaviors and social or emotional problems.

What are the most common health-related concerns of teens and how can teens best safeguard their health? Issues involving weight, body image, prevention and disease, puberty and sexual development are typical concerns of this age group. Sports injuries are also common. Actions to take to keep you healthy and to discuss in greater detail with your doctor include: Get regular exercise.

�         Eat a healthy diet, including adequate calcium (4 dairy a day, or 1200-1500 mg of calcium daily).

�         Do not smoke or use any type of tobacco or smokeless tobacco product. Avoid breathing second-hand smoke.

�         Use all safety and protective devices designed for the activity in which you are engaged. For example, use seat belts when driving, bike helmets when bicycle riding, and protective sports equipment when participating in sports.

�         Never drink and drive and never get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking or taking illicit drugs.

�         Tell your parents or doctor if you are having learning problems or difficulties at school.

�         Ask for help in learning how to resolve conflicts without the use of violence. Avoid situations in which fighting may break out and cause you to be physically injured.

�         Tell your parents or doctor if you are feeling really sad or thinking about harming yourself.

�         If you are having sex, use condoms plus a second method of contraception to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Negotiating "no" is always fair game, and we can coach you on how to do this effectively.