Teens Meet Outreach

Few weeks back, I read WHO report on health issues that teenagers suffer from, on the list were:

• Psychological problems (depression, social stress, hatred, frustration)
• Drug addiction
• Abortion
• Medical diseases, ranging from genetic disorder to pathological defects.

…to mention a few

I was bothered on a few things this morning. I have seen teenagers suffer health issues, terminal diseases, manageable diseases. Any of these can be as a result of hereditary, diet, environment, transmittable forms like the air, water, blood, saliva e.t.c

This morning while thinking of what to put out here, I decided to write on what we don’t know about health. At teenagehood, I knew few diseases, aside from the common sexual transmitted diseases mentioned when we are warned against sexual immorality. I knew a child could suffer few things as a result of gene transfer from their parents.

So, let’s begin…

What is Health?

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

This definition says it all, your health is a very vital part of your life. So, being healthy is far from living on medications or living in a ward, but rather freedom from physical, mental and social troubles that weigh us down.

Generally, most teenagers know very little about their health.

Have you ever thought of why you shouldn’t use that tablet, even though your roommate said it would make you sleep?

Had a second thought on why you should use that cream, although you heard it would make your skin glow?

Truth is, to stay healthy, you need to be deliberate. I am not saying you should act paranoid because you want to be healthy. Rather, be careful on what you touch and eat.

You might be wondering what exactly I intend talking about today. Take a deep breath, and calm your nerves.

Why You Shouldn’t Have Wounds

My dad used to tell me something as a child, “you are a girl, you shouldn’t have scars on your body”. You see, I laugh on why a girl shouldn’t have scars and boys can pass with that, but that’s not the point. My dad told me that, so I could be careful of the things I do and how I do them. A lot of teenagers act or live wrecklessly. You live only once, right? I understand. They tend to go for all forms of piercing, and careless with the use of sharp objects.

I understand that teenagers tend to suffer mood swings, and depression comes from all ends, but cutting yourself is not a means of escape.

Let me explain why you should avoid cutting yourself and too many piercings.  Have you heard of the word “tetanus”?

Tetanus, also called lockjaw, is a serious infection caused by Clostridium tetani; this bacterium produces a toxin that affects the brain and nervous system, leading to stiffness in the muscles.

I mentioned carelessness and cuttings, tetanus infects people mostly through an open wound. Nail puncture, a deep wound, lacerations caused by accident, piercings, a prick from any sharp object. This list goes on

How Does Tetanus Infection Happen?

The bacteria is found on soil, water, rusty iron objects. The point is you can’t see it, except under microscopic influence. They attach themselves to the wound and begin to live in the blood, then they begin to show signs and symptoms.

Since you now know what could happen to you when you have an open wound, what should you do?

• Avoid punctures and perforations at all cost.
• Close up all fresh and deep wound.
• Never touch them, perhaps peel off the granulating tissue on the wound
• Stay away from people’s blood. A saying i know goes thus: “if it is wet, it is dangerous”. It is used in the ward, when a glove is wet, it is dangerous. I have no idea if it has been used or something toxic splashed on it. You shouldn’t come in contact with a person’s blood with your skin, it might not be deadly, but it is unhealthy.
• I’ll advice you get a tetanus toxoid vaccination when you have a deep cut.
• Eat good food, take lot of water and rest well
• When you feel too unusual, it’s best you see a doctor

I hope I was able to teach you few things about your health? Are you a teenager and you are confused about your health or you have questions to ask. Do not hesitate to ask in the comments below.

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