Five Health Skills Every Teenager Should Learn Before Turning 18
*TogetherMed is not offering any medical advice.
There are plenty of things school prepares you for. We learn math, science, history, and English, but how much do we actually learn about taking care of our own health?
As teenagers, we are starting to make more decisions for ourselves. We see health advice on social media, buy over-the-counter medications, go to doctor's appointments, and make choices that can affect our physical and mental health. However, knowing how to make these decisions is not always something we are taught in school.
Health education is about more than memorizing facts about the human body. It is also about knowing how to use that information in everyday life. Here are five important health skills every teenager should learn before turning 18.
1. Knowing How to Tell If Health Information Is Reliable
Social media makes it easier than ever to find health information. A quick search on TikTok or Instagram can bring up advice about skincare, nutrition, mental health, exercise, and almost anything else. While some of this information can be helpful, not everything online is accurate.
A creator might share a health tip with thousands of followers without having any medical training. A video might also leave out important details or make a claim that is not supported by scientific evidence.
Before believing or sharing health advice, there are a few things to consider:
Is the information from a qualified health professional or a reliable medical organization?
Does the post explain where its information comes from, or does it simply make a claim?
Claims that a product can cure a disease overnight or work for absolutely everyone deserve extra attention.
Check whether trusted health organizations support the same advice.
If you are unsure whether something is true, ask a trusted adult or healthcare professional.
Learning to evaluate health information is an important part of health literacy. It helps us make informed decisions instead of following every trend we see online.
2. Understanding Medication Labels
Medication labels can seem confusing, especially when they include unfamiliar words or instructions. However, understanding them is an important skill that can help prevent mistakes.
Even common over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers and cold medicines, need to be used correctly. Taking more than the recommended amount or combining certain medications can be dangerous.
Before taking a medication, make sure you understand:
What symptoms or condition is the medication intended to treat?
How much should be taken, how often, and by what method?
Are there side effects, age restrictions, or activities to avoid?
Does another medication you are taking contain the same active ingredient?
If the instructions are unclear, check with a pharmacist, doctor, or trusted adult before taking it.
It is also important to remember that natural products and supplements are not automatically safe just because they are sold in stores.
Learning to read medication labels now can help teenagers become more responsible about their health as they get older.
3. Communicating With Your Doctor
Going to the doctor can sometimes feel intimidating, especially when you are not sure what to say or what questions to ask. Some teenagers might feel uncomfortable discussing their symptoms, while others may leave an appointment realizing they forgot to mention something important.
Being able to communicate with a healthcare professional helps you better understand your health and participate in decisions about your care.
Here are a few ways to prepare for an appointment:
Write down your symptoms and any questions you have beforehand.
Explain what you are experiencing as clearly as possible, including when it started and how it affects your daily life.
Be honest about your habits, medications, and concerns.
Ask for clarification if you do not understand a medical term or instruction.
Make sure you understand what to do next, including whether you need a follow-up appointment.
You do not need to know all the medical terminology to ask good questions. It is completely okay to say, "Could you explain that in a simpler way?" or "What should I do if this gets worse?"
Teenagers should also know that they can ask their healthcare provider about privacy and confidentiality. The rules can depend on the type of care and where you live, so it is okay to ask what information can be kept private and what might need to be shared.
Your health matters, and you deserve to understand what is happening with your body.
4. Recognizing a Medical Emergency
Not every health problem is an emergency, but knowing when someone needs immediate help can make a major difference. Teenagers spend time at school, at home, playing sports, and with friends, so they may be in a situation where someone suddenly becomes seriously ill or injured.
Some warning signs that require immediate emergency assistance include:
Severe difficulty breathing
Unconsciousness or being unable to wake someone
Sudden signs of a stroke, such as facial drooping, arm weakness, or difficulty speaking
Severe bleeding that will not stop
A serious allergic reaction involving breathing difficulties or swelling of the throat
Sudden, severe chest pain
If you think someone is experiencing a life-threatening emergency in the United States, call 911. Follow the dispatcher's instructions, and do not put yourself in danger while trying to help.
It is also useful to learn basic first aid and CPR through a reputable training program. These skills can help you respond more confidently while waiting for emergency professionals to arrive.
Most importantly, do not assume that a serious situation will resolve itself. If you are worried that someone is in immediate danger, get help.
5. Knowing When to Ask for Help
One of the most important health skills is recognizing when you should not try to handle something on your own.
Teenagers sometimes ignore symptoms because they are busy with school, sports, or other responsibilities. Others may feel embarrassed about asking questions or worry that their concerns are not serious enough.
However, asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a responsible way to take care of yourself.
You should consider reaching out to a healthcare professional when symptoms are persistent, getting worse, interfering with everyday activities, or causing you concern. You should also seek guidance before making major changes to prescribed medication or following a health trend that could affect your well-being.
Taking care of your mental health matters just as much as taking care of your physical health. If stress, anxiety, sadness, or other emotions begin to interfere with your daily life, talking to a trusted adult, school counselor, or healthcare professional can be a helpful first step.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency or feel that you might hurt yourself, seek immediate help. In the United States, you can call or text 988 for support during a mental health crisis.
You do not need to wait until a problem becomes overwhelming before asking for help. Sometimes, speaking up early is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
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