Mercy Medical Center North Iowa - Pediatric and Adolescent Adolescence 15-18

Mercy Network

Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death and injury in teenagers. Driving a car requires a great deal of responsibility. Observe speed limits Use seat belts and insist that passengers in the car use seat belts. Do not get into a car with a driver who has been drinking, using drugs, or acting reckless. Driving accidents frequently occur in individuals who are drunk.
Do not smoke, use smokeless tobacco, drink alcohol, or use drugs, diet pills, or steroids. Illicit drugs introduce health risks because of the uncertainty about their concentration or composition. In addition, abuse of alcohol and other drugs interferes with your insight, judgment, and self-control.
Sexual exploitation also occurs when individuals are under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.
If you smoke, find out about smoking cessation programs. If you use drugs or alcohol, ask for help from a substance abuse treatment program.
Support your friends who choose not to use tobacco, alcohol, drugs, steroids, or diet pills.
When you participate in sports, wear helmets, mouthguards, and other protective gear.
Avoid high noise levels, especially in music headsets.
Learn techniques to protect yourself from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, including rape by either strangers or acquaintances.
Seek help if you are physically or sexually abused or fear that you are in danger.

Identify a supportive adult who can give you accurate information about sex.
Get accurate information about birth control and sexually transmitted diseases from a physician, public health department, or Planned Parenthood.
Having sexual feelings is normal, but having sex should be a well thought out decision. Do not have sex if that is not what you want. Plan your approach to pressure to have sex.
Not having sexual intercourse is the safest way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection/AIDS.
If you are engaging in sexual activity, including intercourse, ask a health professional for an examination and discuss methods of birth control.
If you are confused or concerned about your sexual feelings talk to a health professional.

Set reasonable but challenging goals. Working through new challenges can increase your self-confidence. Learn new skills that may be useful with your friends, family, or community (e.g., CPR).
Accept who you are and enjoy both the adult and the child in you.
Trust your own feelings as well as listening to the ideas of good friends and valued adults.
Seek help if you often feel angry, depressed, or hopeless.
Learn how to deal with stress.
Spend time with you family doing something you all enjoy.
Participate in social activities, community groups, and team sports.
Discuss with a health professional and your family and friends your strategies and coping mechanisms for handling negative peer pressure.
Identify talents and interests that you want to pursue.
Make plans for what you will do after high school-e.g., college options, vocational training, military, or other career.