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
HIV drugs not linked with child psychiatric problems

February 7, 2012 — CHICAGO (Reuters) - Drugs used to treat children infected with the virus that causes AIDS do not appear to increase the risk of psychiatric problems in children, U.S. researchers said on Monday.

Child abuse experts calls for US campaign

February 5, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Nearly 4,600 U.S. children were hospitalized with broken bones, traumatic brain injury and other serious damage caused by physical abuse in 2006, according to a new report.

Many kids still exposed to secondhand smoke in cars

February 5, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new government study reports that while fewer kids and teens are getting exposed to secondhand smoke while riding in the car, rates of exposure are still high enough to warrant concern.

Select news items provided by Reuters Health