Chapter 4: Youth and Health

Introduction

• Although there are different definitions of youth, those between the ages of 15 and 44 are generally regarded as youth. Thus, this age range encompasses early adulthood(15 to 19 years)  and late youth (20 to 44 years).

• One of the healthiest subgroups of the population is young people. The mortality and disease load is lowest for this age group. Nonetheless, there are other issues that are more prevalent in this age range, like injuries from traffic accidents. Also, the health habits that are practised in this age group affect their health later in life.

• Youth, who are the most productive age group, significantly boosts the nation's economy.

• The younger generation, however, has a lot of health problems because of their physiology, behaviours, food, jobs, etc.

• India is currently eighth on the list of nations having the least amount of physical activity worldwide.

• In addition, statistics indicate that 3 out of 4 young people and adolescents do not engage in enough physical activity to meet the guidelines.

Youth-Related Health Problems

• For the people in this age range, mental health presents a serious challenge. Academic or professional performance, violence, poverty and unemployment, stigma, marginalisation, discrimination, humanitarian crises, etc. are some of the causes of mental health problems.

• Usage of alcohol and other drugs is strongly linked to a number of risky behaviours that can lead to other ailments.

• Usage of tobacco: It increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and other lifestyle illnesses as well as cancer.

• Physical inactivity: Just 20% of the youthful population is thought to exercise sufficiently. Females who are inactive tend to be very prevalent.

• Diabetes and hypertension: With 1 in 10 persons in India suffering from diabetes, the disease is on the verge of becoming a pandemic. One in five people also suffer from hypertension.

• Many health issues, particularly chronic disorders, can have long-lasting repercussions as people age even though they first manifest in their childhood.

• The Ayushman Bharat initiative, which includes a health and wellness centre, places a strong emphasis on nirogi, or the prevention of sickness by the adoption of a better lifestyle.

• The "FIT India" campaign seeks to improve people's fitness behaviours, particularly among youth.

Creating a Public Movement for Youth Health

• This necessitates making the best use of all available means of enhancing the health of this age group. Interventions are needed in a variety of settings, including businesses, institutions, and schools.

• In order to combat the present uptick in a number of diseases, it is imperative that school health services be strengthened and function as early intervention centres.

• It is necessary to encourage workplace health by putting scales in the restrooms, setting aside time for exercise, placing huge equipment in

large workplaces, and promoting healthy cuisine on the cafeteria menu.

Healthy Way of Life

• To start, there are many stigmas attached to mental illness. This is the reason why individuals avoid going to the doctor. However there are many similarities between mental and physical disorders. Both physical and mental diseases can be addressed with the appropriate guidance from qualified medical professionals and with drugs.

• The WHO and many other health organisations recommend that people perform 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise or 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week.

• Adequate sleep of at least six to eight hours per night strengthens our defences against illness, lowers stress, and keeps us healthy.

Conclusion