Introduction to Adolescence

 
Adolescence is a transition period between childhood and adulthood. It is a stressful developmental period filled with major changes in physical maturity and sexuality, cognitive processes (ways of thinking and thought content), emotional feelings, and relationships with others.
Picture of two young girls, smiling

Addressing the healthcare needs of this age group requires not only addressing identified health concerns, but also considering the complicated interactions of developmental changes on healthcare needs, the effectiveness of treatment, health education, and health promotion.

As adolescents begin to take responsibility for their own health, education and promotion of preventive healthcare is very important. Teaching preventive healthcare (about topics such as pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted diseases, the effects of smoking, the need for immunizations, and substance use) and providing health education regarding specific healthcare needs to adolescents requires special consideration and effort to ensure understanding and encourage compliance.

Latest Kids' Health News
U.S. experts want suicide risk warning on ADHD drug

January 31, 2012 — GAITHERSBURG, Md. (Reuters) - Children who take a common drug for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder should be warned about the risk of suicidal thoughts, U.S. pediatric health advisers said on Monday.

Kids' health predicts parents' future heart disease

January 25, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - When children have high cholesterol or blood pressure, their parents may have increased risks of diabetes and heart disease down the road, a new study finds.

Rip Roarin' Crab Soup recalled over allergy worries

January 12, 2012 — WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Blount Fine Foods is recalling some of its Rip Roarin' Crab Soup sold in 16-ounce cups because it contains undeclared milk, wheat and crab, the company said.

Select news items provided by Reuters Health