SHARES
“Sometimes, it can be hard to communicate with my kids. I hate to see myself nagging so much. However, I really do worry way much more than young people do. There are so much risks today that can affect the safety and health of my teenage kids.” Ling, mother to two kids, loves her youthful kids and wishes nothing bad happens to them.
About one sixth of world population are adolescents between 10 to 19 years old. Yet, not all are enjoying these youthful years full of health and vigour. Everyday, 3000 and more teenagers lose their life due to preventable and treatable causes. Also, exposure to risky behaviours may not only affect their current health, but also their future health as adults and even that of their children.
Top Health Risks For The Adolescent Today
1. Road Traffic Accidents
This is the leading cause for disability and death in adolescents. Many of those who lose their life unfortunately are vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians and young drivers. For instance, inexperienced driving, speeding, and drink driving are among the factors causing severe road accidents in youngsters. Also, more than half of young adults who die from car accidents did not wear a seat belt. Therefore, it is important to make sure teenagers are educated on road safety. So that practising safety on the road becomes second nature to them.
2. Mental Health Issues and Suicide
Sadly, the rate of teen suicide is increasing. The issue is complex and can be caused by multitude of factors such as family problems, loneliness, personality traits, emotional and relationship stress, substance abuse, alcoholism, etc. Adolescent stage is a phase of life full of mental and physical challenges, Therefore it is common for young adults to experience depression and anxiety. Most of the issues are treatable and resolve slowly when growing into adulthood. Watch out for early signs of mental stress such as disturbances to sleeping and meal times, as well as work-rest cycle, mood changes, isolation, etc.
Also, listen attentively to how they feel and ask if they feel like giving up, hurting themselves or others. It is normal to have suicidal thoughts when we are losing part of ourselves. Let them know they are not alone and be there for them. It may not be easy for you also. It is part of human nature to join the passion of the poor and sad, mourning and crying together with them. Yet, it is also of human nature to slowly employ our logical thinking and judgement, so as to keep ourselves at a safe distance from sources that invoke this strong and raw emotion (sadness), even if the source is desirable.
Therefore we risk isolating the sad, the poor and distressed or may even extend our own judgement onto them. These can be very harmful towards people in desperation. Get help early and work together with professionals. Teens who have good communication with at least an adult are less likely to have depression and engage in risky behaviours.
3. Violence and Bullying
About a third of male adolescent deaths in middle- and low- income communities are due to violence. Similarly, one in three adolescent girls is victim to physical, sexual and emotional violence. Exposure to firearms, media influence and alcoholism increase the risk of perpetuating lethal violence. Also, the impact of violence can last a long time. Empathetic and effective care of survivors of violence with professional help can reduce psychological impact and its consequences.
4. HIV/AIDS and Early Pregnancy & Childbirth
Early pregnancy and childbirth complications are the world’s leading cause of death in adolescent girls. Prevalence is higher in low- and middle-income communities. Fortunately, accessibility to sexual and reproductive healthcare services such as family planning, contraceptive information and education has improved in the last decades. As a result, we can better prevent young girls from becoming pregnant at too young an age. Besides, now that teenagers are better informed, they are more equipped to guard against unsafe sex and sexually transmitted diseases. Although the number of HIV/AIDS cases is declining, spread of virus between adolescents still remains high. Many are unaware of their status and continue to spread the disease. This also delays the time they start receiving life-saving treatment.
5. Alcohol, Recreational Drugs Abuse and Smoking
Alcohol
A little bit of alcohol can impair the brain’s ability to inhibit our actions and control our behaviours. Too much of alcohol makes us disorientated and our brain to lose control of our body. Excessive consumption of alcohol is common among teens. This not only affects their body health but also causes poor judgement, increased risk-taking behaviours, violence, and negatively impacts personal relationships.
Drugs
On the other hand, medication abuse such as opioids and weed can be dangerous to health. Overdosing drugs and alcohol intoxication can lead to severe life-threatening complications. Compared to alcohol, recreational drugs are usually highly addictive. Always encourage your children to have an exit plan ready. For instance, if they happen to get involved with these substances, leave a text message to family member so that help is readily available. Also, be ready to get help from family members and healthcare professionals to treat addiction.
Cigarette Smoking
Likewise, nicotine contained in cigarette smoking can cause mild addiction as well. It is also the ingredient that provides the pleasurable effect of cigarette smoking such as increased alertness, warming up of the body and increased heart beat. However, cigarette smoking also leads to many serious health implications such as heart attack, stroke, lung cancer etc. It is important to encourage your kids to learn to say no assertively. In a show of solidarity and support, let family members who have problem with smoking to join smoking cessation therapy together.
Photo by Samuele Diquigiovanni from Flickr
6. Eating Disorders, Nutrition and Physical Activity
Eating disorders frequently first appear during adolescent stage. These commonly include anorexia nervosa (avoiding food), bulimia nervosa (vomiting out ingested food), and binge-eating disorder. Eating disorders occur more often in girls than guys. Early signs that your children may be having problem with eating include preoccupation with body weight, measurements, shape and image, eating or vomiting in secret, use of laxative and chronic sore throat or hoarse voice.
Childhood obesity is also a major problem in teens. It can lead to various health and psychological consequences. For instance, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, fatty liver disease, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and bullying. Your children may be eating too much sugary and fatty food, and sweetened beverages. At the same time, they lack engaging in physical activities, instead consumed with too much time on television, social media or playing video games.
Photo by IBFarol Igreja Batista do Farol’s photostream from Flickr
Conclusion
There are many health risks for the adolescent today that can be readily prevented and treated. Pay more attention to the well-being of your children. Communication may not be smooth at times, give yourself and your kids a little bit more patience and time. Also, get help early from other family member, partner as well as professionals early, before problems become too precarious and difficult to handle.
References:
1. Adolescents: health risks and solutions [WHO]. World Health Organization. 2020. (Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescents-health-risks-and-solutions; last updated on 2018 Dec 13; last accessed on 2020 June 26)
2. Morin A. The 10 biggest teen health risks [verywellhealth]. Dotdash. 2020. (Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-7-biggest-health-risks-teens-face-2611248; last updated on 2020 June 3; last accessed on 2020 June 26)
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by Chang Xian
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