Health Of Young Adults

 

 

 

Despite increased abilities across developmental realms, including the maturation of pain systems involving self-regulation and the coordination of affect and cognition, the transition to young adulthood is accompanied by higher rates of mortality, greater engagement in health-damaging behaviors, and an increase in chronic conditions. Rates of motor vehicle fatality and homicide peak during young adulthood, as do mental health problems, substance abuse, unintentional pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections.

Describe how the advanced practice nurse can play a role in improving the health of young adults through preventive screening and intervention.

 

 

Sample Solution

  • Provide education and counseling: APNs can provide young adults with education about healthy behaviors, such as healthy eating, exercise, and sleep. They can also provide counseling to young adults who are struggling with mental health problems, substance abuse, or other health-related issues.
  • Screen for health risks: APNs can screen young adults for health risks, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. They can also screen for mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
  • Provide referrals: APNs can provide young adults with referrals to other healthcare providers, such as mental health professionals or substance abuse treatment providers. They can also provide referrals to community resources, such as food banks or housing assistance programs.
  • Advocate for young adults: APNs can advocate for young adults at the individual, community, and policy levels. At the individual level, APNs can advocate for young adults who are struggling to access healthcare or who are being discriminated against. At the community level, APNs can advocate for policies that promote healthy behaviors and prevent health risks among young adults. At the policy level, APNs can advocate for laws that protect the health of young adults, such as laws that prohibit underage drinking and smoking.

The transition to young adulthood is a critical time for health promotion and disease prevention. APNs are uniquely positioned to play a role in improving the health of young adults through preventive screening and intervention. By providing education and counseling, screening for health risks, providing referrals, and advocating for young adults, APNs can help young adults make healthy choices and live long, healthy lives.

In addition to the above, APNs can also play a role in improving the health of young adults by:

  • Developing and implementing preventive health programs: APNs can work with schools, community organizations, and healthcare providers to develop and implement preventive health programs for young adults. These programs could focus on topics such as healthy eating, exercise, substance abuse prevention, and mental health promotion.
  • Collaborating with other healthcare providers: APNs can collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as primary care providers, mental health professionals, and substance abuse treatment providers, to provide comprehensive care for young adults. This collaboration can help ensure that young adults have access to the services they need to stay healthy.
  • Increasing awareness of health risks: APNs can increase awareness of health risks among young adults by speaking to groups, writing articles, and giving presentations. This awareness-raising can help young adults make informed choices about their health.

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