The health issues that surround young people are of concern to medical establishments all around the world, with many governments also implementing youth health programs to ensure the health of the next generation. Youth health programs are generally wide ranging in scope and are concerned with the prevention, detection and treatment of young people. Programs concerned with the health of young people may also be referred to as adolescent health programs. There are a wide range of health services available for young people in most western nations, from the protection of young children through to the mental and sexual health of young adults.
There are a number of reasons why the health of young people is treated separately from adult health. Firstly, young people lack the awareness that is associated with risk taking behavior. Secondly, they lack the knowledge and experience to know where to find help for their health concerns when they need it. Thirdly, by treating young people for certain health conditions at an early age - treatment later in life can be reduced or even eliminated altogether. Young people have different needs and problems than adults, and this needs to be addressed separately at a health care level.
Some of the key health problems that are associated with young people are: Accidents - of both an accidental and self-harming variety, often related to the higher tendency to undertake risk taking behavior. Mental health - including suicide and self harming activities. Sexual health issues - including sexual transmitted diseases and infections. Issues relating to young parenting and youth homelessness. Young people are much more at risk in regards to the development of some of these problems, and also have less resources to deal with any problems that may come up.
The health of young people is important in any civilised society, and normally a number of separate and specialised services are set up to address these youth health problems. Services need to be aware of the environmental, socio-economic and community related factors that may affect any treatment, and the way that these factors affect young people in particular. As well as the development of a full set of youth oriented health services, it is equally important that young people have the access and opportunity to use these services.