For as much time as professionals spend screening and addressing risk factors in youth, the same is not always given to identifying youth protective factors, with one of the most important being identifying a trusted adult. These two factors—risk and protective—play major roles in the health and wellbeing of...
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Talking with youth about topics like racism and discrimination can be difficult, especially when we as adults are still working on our own knowledge and understanding. But these conversations are critical. Part of being a medical professional is being an ally to youth, and that means understanding the social...
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. With routines upended around the world, everyone’s mental health could use some extra care right now, especially that of our youth. One in five youth will have a serious mental health disorder at some point in their life, and half of all mental...
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As Americans continue to focus on health and safety in light of COVID-19, adolescent health needs a spotlight. While the virus does not seem to be impacting the world’s teens nearly as much, the concurrent vaping epidemic could be putting many at higher risk. “People with underlying health issues,...
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Today marks the start of National Public Health Week (#NPHW) in the US (April 6-12). In the wake of the current health crisis with COVID-19, public health is even more in the spotlight. Professionals are working tirelessly to care for their communities, but that care extends far beyond the...
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A common theme among teens (not dealing with a crisis) is the intense levels of stress in their daily lives. It may be surprising to think that teens often experience higher levels of stress than adults, but a study of more than 1,000 teens revealed an average stress score...
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Through TV, social media and their peers, teens are exposed every day to risks like substance use, sex, violence and more. Data shows that children as young as 11 years old are engaging in risky behaviors, often without an adult ever knowing. Asking about these behaviors through routine risk...
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The thought of discussing serious topics, like mental health, substance use, or sex with pediatric patients can make anyone start to sweat. If you agree, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Comprehensive risk screening can feel overwhelming, even scary. But it’s time to face your fears! Read more on Op-Med
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Nearly half of all youth who commit suicide visited a healthcare provider within the previous month. Mental health risks (depression, anger management, being bullied, having thoughts of suicide or self-harm) now rank higher than drug, alcohol and tobacco use among youth. With more than 8000 completed RAAPS screenings, Triangle...
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“It was an evil that I hadn’t faced before,” said Dr. Hassan Nemeh, the surgical director of Thoracic Organ Transplant at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. In coverage by The Detroit News, after Dr. Nemeh transplanted two lungs into a teenage boy who was going to die from vaping,...
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