Nt1310 Unit 4

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Introduction (Summary Unit 4) Adolescence According to Akseer et al (2020), there is urgent need to address the rising burden of non-communal diseases among adolescents through combined efforts from individuals, communities, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. Interventions: There is need for multifaceted interventions at various levels: the individual, community and policy level. At an individual level, school-based interventions include promoting healthy eating habits through school meals and nutrition education, encouraging physical activity through physical education programs and extracurricular activities, and providing mental health awareness programs and access to mental health services. Community-based interventions include …show more content…
Strengthening healthcare systems by ensuring access to affordable and quality healthcare services for non-communicable diseases prevention, early detection, and management for adolescents. At policy level, the authors advocate for robust policies across various sectors in the education sector by integrating non-communicable disease prevention and health promotion into school curricula and promoting healthy school environments. The healthcare sector can develop and implement national guidelines for non-communicable disease screening, prevention, and management in adolescents. In regard to food systems, implementing policies to promote healthy food choices and limit unhealthy food options readily available to adolescents can be employed. By implementing effective interventions and robust policies, we can ensure a healthier future for young generations (Akseer et al., …show more content…
The summary states that the Global burden reports over 1.5 million adolescents die annually, with injuries, violence, self-harm, and maternal conditions leading the causes. Half of all mental health conditions in adulthood begin by age 14, but most cases remain undetected and untreated. Many adolescents enter adolescence undernourished, increasing vulnerability to diseases and also iron deficiency anemia is a significant concern. Violence, including interpersonal violence, self-harm, and war, is a major threat, with an estimated 180 adolescents dying daily from interpersonal violence alone and road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death among adolescents globally. Tobacco, alcohol, and sexual and reproductive health issues such as unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions contribute to adolescent morbidity and mortality. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are also a concern and the use of harmful drugs can lead to various health problems and risky behaviors. The WHO emphasizes multifaceted approaches to address these challenges as solutions: Promoting healthy lifestyles which includes encouraging physical activity, healthy eating habits, and avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Strengthening mental health services that focus on early identification, intervention, and access to mental health services is crucial.