Adolescent Health: What Should You Know and Do As A Teenager?

Our overall health entails many different factors, including mental, physical, and social well-being. That’s why living a fulfilling and productive life is crucial. As the body goes through a lot of changes during adolescence, it becomes more important to maintain a healthy eating practice, as the changes affect the mental, physical, nutritional and dietary requirements of an individual. ^{(1, 2)}

An individual can categorize his/her well-being in different categories. For example, there are ways to improve mental, physical and emotional health.

Teenagers should pay special attention to certain things to stay healthy in these areas. However, people of all ages should practice healthy habits to stay healthy.

• Teenagers should engage in physical activity for at least 1 hour each day to maintain good physical health.
• Keep a healthy weight. Teenagers and children who are overweight are more likely to be overweight as adults.
• Teenagers are also more likely to develop other chronic conditions, such as depression. They are also more bullied.
• Eat plenty of fiber-rich whole grains, fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products and protein-packed foods. Remember, a healthy diet is essential for your development and growth.
• Make sure you get enough rest. Every night, most teenagers require between 9 to 10 hours of sleep. Many of them only sleep for 7 hours on average. Sound sleep has a significant impact on your capacity to focus and perform well in your study and other activities.
• Vaccinations should be kept up to date. Every year, get a flu vaccination. Ask your parents about the HPV vaccine in case you haven’t already received it. This can help you avoid HPV and certain types of cancer such as cervical cancer.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day so you can avoid teeth and gum issues later in life.
• Apply sunscreen to your skin. Even one serious sunburn as a kid raises your chances of developing skin cancer later in life.
• Don’t listen to music that is too loud. Your hearing power may be permanently damaged as a result of this.
• Take your height, weight, and blood pressure measurements frequently.
• Find out if you’re at risk for certain health issues.
• Read or watch videos on how to live a healthy lifestyle, nutrition and exercise. ^{(2,3, 4, 5, 6)}

Taking care of your emotions is important for your mental wellness.

Know the symptoms of mental illness. These are some of them:

• Loss of self-esteem
• Lack of appetite
• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
• Anxiety, exhaustion and depression
• Gaining or losing weight
• Changes in personality traits^{(7, 8)}

To deal with these issues, consider the following:

• Pay attention to your feelings and moods. Don’t just think about negative ideas and sentiments of being a teenager.
• If you need assistance about anything, don’t be hesitant to ask for it. Talk to a favourite teacher or counsellor at school in case you are hesitant to communicate with your parents. Find a responsible adult. If you’re depressed or thinking about killing yourself, seek help immediately.
• Don’t be a bully to others. Tell your teachers, parents or another adult if you are being bullied by someone.
• Accept yourself as you are. If you have low self-esteem or a negative body image, speak with someone about it. Even simply talking to a friend can be beneficial.
• Behavioural health refers to how you take care of your safety through your actions. Avoid using harmful substances. This includes tobacco alcohol, unprescribed medications, illicit drugs etc.
• Learn how to deal with stress. You won’t be able to avoid stress, so you’ll have to figure out how to deal with it. It will enable you to remain calm and perform in stressful conditions.
• Study hard and give it your all in school. Academic achievement and health are inextricably linked.
• Maintain a positive relationship with your parents as much as possible. Keep in mind that they only want good for you. When they make rules, try to understand it is for your good.
• Maintain a healthy balance between education, extracurricular activities and social activities.
• Limit yourself to the most vital activities and give them your all. Frustration, Stress, and tiredness can result from overextending yourself. So, don’t take more stress than you can handle.^(9,10,11,12)

Drive carefully. According to research, teenagers in the United States die most frequently in car accidents. You are advised to use your seat belt at all times. If possible, avoid travelling in a car with other teenagers. This can cause the driver to get distracted, increasing the chances of an accident. Never get into a car with a drunk driver.

Wear a helmet to protect your head. To avoid any mishappening, use a helmet whether riding a bike or engaging in sports. An accident at a young age can have long-term health consequences. Stay away from any kind of violence. Avoid circumstances where you can be physically wounded due to a fight, conflict or violence.

Safe sex or Abstinence (no sex) is recommended for teenagers. Always wear condoms if you have sex to help prevent sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs). Consult your doctor about contraceptives if you are a sexually active girl. If you are unable to utilise contraceptives, condoms can be used as a way of birth control. Even if contraceptives are available, they do not prevent STIs; condoms should be used in addition to other contraceptive ways.^{(13, 14, 15, 16, 17)}

Below are given Answers to your queries that may come to your Mind:

Yes, stroke, heart disease and cancer account for 65 percent of all adult deaths. These diseases are, in many situations, avoidable. Many of the habits that lead to chronic disorders start when children are young. Teens who smoke are more likely to develop these health issues as adults.⁽¹⁸⁾

Yes. For example, seat belts are not worn as frequently by young men as they are worn by young women. Males are also more likely to engage in violent activities, consume large amounts of alcohol, carry firearms, use smokeless tobacco or marijuana, and have multiple sexual partners. Young women, on the other hand, face different social and physical issues. They are more likely to attempt suicide. They also have the tendency to lose weight in faster ways when compared to men.⁽¹⁹⁾

Unintentional injury, car accidents, and suicide are the leading causes of death among teenagers and young people. Heart disease and cancer are rare in teenagers, but they can strike at any age. Sexually transmitted illnesses and unwanted pregnancies are both dangerous to your health. They can also generate social and personal issues for you.⁽²⁰⁾

So, these are some concerns that teenagers usually have in their mind. Take care of these things and you will be good to go. If you have any worries about your health or physique, you should speak with your doctor. Your doctor will assist you well if you speak your heart out to him/her.

References:

Also Read:

• Depression in Teenagers: Signs, Coping Tips, Recovery Techniques
• Behavior Problems in Teenagers – Parenting Tips for Helping Teens
• Promoting Healthy Eating Habits in Children and Teenagers
• Causes of Irrational Mood Swings in Teenagers & its Symptoms
• What Causes Acne in Teenagers?
• Importance of a Balanced Diet for Teenagers