Health promotion and prevention of diseases for adolescents

Adolescence is the transitional phase of growth and development between childhood and adulthood. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines an adolescent as any person between ages 10 and 19. During this transition period a boy or girl develops physically, socially, emotionally and mentally and moves towards independence.

Sexual reproductive health Every adolescent has a right to quality health care services including quality sexual and reproductive health services as per Kenya’s policy. In case of rape, pregnancy and STIs, seek counselling and guidance from a trusted teacher, parent or guardian.

Causes of Early Pregnancies: • Engaging in sexual activities • Complications in child birth which may result in death • Socio-economic challenges e.g. lower chance of getting employment • Social isolation because of stigma

Abstinence Sexual abstinence means choosing not to have sex. Practicing abstinence ensures that a girl will not become pregnant because there is no chance for the sperm to fertilize an egg. Delaying the start of sexual activity has numerous benefits. This includes prevention of early pregnancy, prevention of STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), promotion of self-esteem and self-worth.

Why choose Abstinence? • Abstinence from sex is the only 100% effective way of preventing pregnancies • By abstaining from sexual activity, you also avoid the risk of STIs including HIV • Reduces exposure to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which causes cervical cancer • Adolescents who practice abstinence are much less likely to experience a

physically or emotionally abusive relationship, drop out of school, engage in substance abuse or feel pressured into having sex. • Abstinence costs nothing and there are no side effects • Abstinence boosts a sense of self-worth and self-esteem HIV and AIDS:

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system thereby weakening the body’s ability to fight diseases. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease that can develop in people with HIV when the body cannot fight off most diseases and infections. This makes the person vulnerable to a wide range of Illnesses.

How is HIV spread? • Cultural practices and taboos • Multiple sexual partners • Early marriage, • Early onset of sexual activity • Unprotected sexual contact • Commercial sex work • Drugs and substance abuse • Displacement • Domestic violence • Lack of access to HIV testing to self or sex partners • Rape or defilement which can be perpetrated by a stranger or by a person known to the victim • Use of alcohol and drugs may lead you into engaging in risky sexual behavior • Early Marriages Consequences of Early Pregnancies: • Dropping out of school • Premature child birth • Early or forced marriages in some communities BOYS • Voice changes • Shoulders broaden • Facial Hair • Sperm production and ejaculation • Wet dreams and erection occurs frequently • Muscular and Skeletal growth • Perspiration increases and there may be body odour GIRLS • Breasts enlargement • Hip enlargement • Monthly period/Menstruation • Perspiration increases and there may be body odour BOYS & GIRLS • Growth of pubic and armpit hair • Growth of body height and weight gain • Genital organs enlargement • Pimples(acne) may develop on the face • Body shape takes on a characteristic adult pattern. HIV Does not spread through: • Sharing the same desk in school • Sitting close to other people • Hugging, shaking hands or kissing • Breathing the same air • Sharing food or drinks • Tears or sweat Health promotion and prevention of diseases for adolescents Non communicable diseases A non-communicable disease (NCD) is a disease that is not transmissible directly from one person to another. Examples of NCDs include Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Diseases. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) affect large numbers of people and exact a huge toll on health, and a country's well-being. Risk Factors: Unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and alcohol misuse. Hence, most of these diseases are preventable as they eventually progress in early life due to lifestyle aspects. Cancer Cancer is a disease that results from uncontrolled growth and division of body cells. Reproductive organ cancers in females • Cervical cancer: Affects the cervix, that is the lower end of the uterus • Ovarian cancer: Affects the ovaries • Uterine cancer: Affects the uterus • Breast Cancer: Affects the tissues of the breasts Reproductive organ cancers in males • Testicular cancer: Affects testes • Penile cancer: Affects the penis • Prostate cancer: Affects the prostate gland How to prevent reproductive organ cancers in males and Females. • Visit the nearest health facility if you identify any symptoms • Physical exercise and eating balanced diet. • Delay sexual activity • Self-examination for testicular cancer by feeling for lumps • HPV vaccination for cervical cancer. • Avoid smoking tobacco e.g. cigarette • Breast self-examination – a person checks their breasts for lumps at least once every month • Clinical breast examination – done by a health care provider • Other hospital investigations Mental wellness Mental health refers to emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle challenges, relate to others, and make choices. What causes stress? Stress is a normal part of life where the body reacts to any change that requires a response. Some stress in life can be positive, but extreme, ongoing stress can cause problems in young people’s health, behavior and ability to develop and grow. Some of the causes of stress are: • Rejection • Sudden change in personal thoughts or environment • Discrimination or harassment at home or in school • Natural disasters, theft, rape, or violence against you or a loved one • Worrying about things • Unrealistic expectations • Giving a talk in front of peers • Failing exam Ways To Improve Self Esteem • Not comparing yourself with others • Recognizing your special talents and appreciating yourself • Thinking about the kind of person you are and making a list of your best qualities • Being aware of the things you would like to improve about yourself, but not being overly self-critical • Being realistic • Believing in yourself • Spending time with people who care for you • Staying away from people who damage your self-esteem