If you are young and want to stay healthy, then there are a few things you need to know about the most common health issues you are likely to encounter. To stay in peak health, you should learn what causes those health problems, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you become ill.
Mental health
A large percentage of young adults experience mental health issues of some sort, and it is essential to recognize the symptoms and seek early treatment.
Excessive anxiety is probably the most common mental health issue experienced by young people. Some anxiety disorders can be temporary or long-lasting. They include conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, acute stress disorder, and more.
Many young adults struggle with depression, with symptoms of long-term sadness that often interfere with daily life. While genetics can play a part in determining who will experience depression, life experiences and chemical changes caused by puberty can be contributing factors.
Eating disorders involve food and body image issues. Mental health and physical health will suffer in those who have bulimia or anorexia. It is essential to get treatment early to reroute the mental health issues behind such eating disorders.
Substance abuse and addiction is something you might not realize is a mental health concern. Unfortunately, those who become addicted began using substances as a way to self-medicate mental health issues, but the side effects often involve new mental ailments and often deteriorating physical health.
When a mental health condition becomes a real problem, it is vital that professional help is sought. Parents and friends of those suffering mental health issues can be an advocate and a listener to show support.
STDs and sexual health
Learning more about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and sexual health is important. Even if you are with a long-term partner, there are still reasons to be careful since an individual might not realize they have an STD. In fact, many STDs don’t show symptoms and can be transmitted through skin contact.
One of the most common STDs is Human Papillomavirus, known as HPV. With over 40 types, HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact where condoms do not cover. Sometimes HPV shows no symptoms, and your body kills it naturally, but other types cause warts, infections, or even cancer. You can protect yourself from HPV with vaccination, and females can check for it via regular pap smears.
Herpes has two strains, and the main symptom is the growth of blisters, which can be internal where they cannot be felt or seen. Herpes is contracted easily through skin contact on areas not covered by a condom. Since not everyone with herpes has symptoms, you should be regularly tested if you are sexually active and frequently change partners. You can order a herpes test online at https://www.healthtestingcenters.com/herpes-testing. While herpes is a virus that cannot be cured, it can be managed by using medication.
Chlamydia is an STD that may not result in symptoms for everyone, but symptoms include discharge or burning with urination. Since Chlamydia is a bacterial illness, it is treated with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea is also caused by bacteria with similar symptoms to Chlamydia. While less than a quarter of women with this infection have symptoms, most men do experience symptoms. Since it is bacterial, it can usually be treated with antibiotics.
Syphilis is a four-stage disease that begins with the appearance of a sore that looks like a small bump or ingrown hair. It then progresses with a body rash and more sores appear. In the third stage, symptoms disappear, and in the final stage brain, nerve, and organ damage can occur. Starting a course of antibiotics as soon as diagnosis is confirmed is essential.
HIV/AIDS is a sexually transmitted illness that can take years to become obvious through symptoms, so it makes sense to be tested if you believe you might have come into contact with the virus.
Unplanned pregnancy
Young women who are sexually active run a risk of becoming pregnant even if they practice birth control. Those that engage in unprotected sex are obviously more likely to experience an unplanned pregnancy, however, most forms of protection and birth control are not 100% effective at preventing conception.
Nutrition and exercise
Developed countries experience greater issues with obesity among their young people than the less developed nations. That is why, to reduce the risk of serious health issues in adulthood, it is vital to encourage healthy eating habits early in life. Young adults can fight obesity and avoid damage to their health by avoiding saturated and trans-fats, sugar, and salt.
Diet should be paired with regular physical activity. Young adults need to take at least one hour of moderate to vigorous exercise daily.
Injuries
Accidental injuries are a common cause of death among young adults. Car accidents are one of the main culprits.
Drowning ranks high on fatalities among teens, with a majority of the victims being male. Learning about water safety and how to swim at a young age is key in preventing water-related deaths.
While there are many more health concerns to look out for among young adults, these are some of the most common. Hopefully, this will help you take preventative measures and know what to do in case an issue arises.
