When it comes to your teen’s health, there’s more to do than make visits to the doctor’s office or hospital. One of the most important decisions you can make for your child’s health is to make sure they receive the most comprehensive health education possible. This will help improve their well-being now, as well as help them make good decisions for their future.

Why Health Education Is Essential

1. Helps Your Teen Identify When Something Is Wrong

The teenage years can be a confusing time, and to make things worse, there’s a lot of misinformation your teen may pick up about their health. Accurate health education will help them cut through this confusion and identify any real health problems they are experiencing.

2. Gives Your Teen Skills for Self Care

Eating well, exercising, practicing good hygiene, recovering from illness, and monitoring oneself for health changes are all skills which need to be learned before they can be used. Your teen is at the perfect age to learn to take better care of themselves in preparation for adult life.

3. Informs Your Teen of What to Expect

At this time, your child is going through changes which can be confusing, upsetting, and embarrassing. Good health education will help them understand these changes are normal and keep them from worrying that something is wrong.

4. Promotes Both Physical & Mental Health

Your teen’s body is important, but so is their mind. Both are intricately connected, and health conditions in one affect the other. It’s essential that your child learns to care for their mental health as well as their body.

5. Encourages Your Teen to Reduce Risk

Teenagers can have trouble correctly assessing health risks—with results which may land them in the hospital. Health education gives them the knowledge and signs of risks, encouraging them to avoid dangerous behavior and stay out of the emergency room.

For better, more accurate health education, take your teen to Island Hospital in Anacortes, WA. For over 55 years, this hospital’s dedicated team of skilled doctors and health care professionals has offered both emergency services and a walk-in clinic for residents of Skagit County. For a compassionate and effective response to a wide range of medical conditions, call (855) 440-4200 or get in touch online.