Adolescence - Adult Health Begins here

By Robert Bidwell, M.D.
Kapi'olani Adolescent Specialist

Kapi'olani Women's Center and its partners have published the Hawaii Women's Health Status book, a compilation of women's health information broken out by age, ethnicity, and island of residence, to help address the specific needs of Hawaii's women. Following is the first of four articles on health issues pertaining to women at different stages of life — adolescence, childbearing, mid-life and senior years.

Adolescence (10-19 years of age) is a critical stage in life, full of special challenges and opportunities.

Most of this age group enjoys good to excellent health, but even so, girls and young women face risks that include substance abuse, sexual behavior, inadequate physical activity and poor nutrition. Risky behavior in these areas can be a significant contributing factor to adult health problems and even mortality. Encouraging healthy choices can improve health not only in adolescence, but for the rest of a woman's life.

Accidents and injuries account for more than one-third of the deaths among girls and young women, followed by cancer and suicide. Among high school students, 25% reported that they seriously considered attempting suicide.

Diet and exercise present problems that affect young women much as they do their mothers and grandmothers. More than two out of five reported being overweight or very overweight.

Use of illegal substances can also be a challenge. 43% reported drinking alcohol and one-quarter acknowledged binge drinking — (having five or more drinks in a row). More than one in five reported using marijuana in the past month and over one in four smoke cigarettes, a serious threat to long-term health.

The bottom line is that parents can do a great deal to encourage good health habits that will benefit their daughters for decades to come. For more information, download the Hawaii Women's Health Status book, or call 535-7000 for help finding a doctor.

September, 2004 Women's Health Column