The adolescent years, between childhood and adulthood, are considered a crucial time in an individual’s life. During this period, many physical, psychological, and social changes occur. These changes can be both exciting and challenging and can major impact an individual’s health and well-being, calling for better adolescent health.
Why is Adolescent Health So Important?
Good health during adolescence is important for many reasons. It lays the foundation for a lifetime of good health and well-being and enables young people to reach their full potential to prevent or delay the onset of health problems in adulthood. Many factors can influence adolescent health, including family, friends, school, the community, and the wider environment.
There are several health problems that are specific to adolescents or are more common in this age group. These include mental health problems, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and self-harm. Adolescents also have higher injury and accidental death rates than any other age group.
There are also many opportunities to promote and protect adolescent health despite the many challenges. A key way to do this is through education and information that is relevant and accessible to young people and by getting personalised care through an adolescent medicine doctor.
How Can Adolescent Health Experts Help?
Adolescent health is a focus of teen health experts. They provide comprehensive and confidential medical care for young people. Their services include:
1) General health care
A personalised approach to the health care of adolescents offers them a chance to feel comfortable discussing their unique concerns. While many of the same health issues adults face are also relevant to adolescents, there are important differences.
For example, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more common among adolescents than adults, and the effects of substance abuse may be more damaging to developing brains and bodies.
2) Immunizations and screenings
The care provides vaccinations according to the Recommended childhood & adolescent immunisation schedule to help protect against diseases such as HPV, meningitis, and whooping cough. They also offer screenings for conditions that can impact adolescent health, such as depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
3) Sexual and reproductive health care
Many adolescents are sexually active at their age, and teen health experts can help them make healthy choices and protect themselves from STIs and unplanned pregnancies. The doctor will provide confidential sexual and reproductive health care, including family planning services, STI testing and treatment, and education on sexual health and sexuality.
4) Mental health care
Adolescent doctors offer mental health services for adolescents. These may include individual, group or family therapy; medication management; and crisis intervention. Providing this care in a confidential, safe and supportive environment can make a big difference in the lives of adolescents struggling with mental health issues. Early intervention and treatment can prevent or reduce the severity of mental health problems and improve functioning and quality of life in the long run.
5) Other services
Adolescent medicine doctors may also offer other services such as sports physicals, nutrition counselling, substance abuse care, and weight management. They can also provide referrals to other specialists or resources as needed.
Conclusion
The adolescent stage plays a crucial role in the development of healthy habits and patterns that will last a lifetime. Adolescent health is important for the future health of adults, and adolescent doctors play a key role in providing comprehensive, confidential care to adolescents. With their help, adolescents can make healthy choices that will impact their lives long into adulthood.