Running Head Assignment 3 1 Assignment 34 Assignment 3 Diamo

Running Head Assignment 3 1assignment 34assignment 3diamond Fulto

According to the CDC, Youth Risk Behaviors are used in monitoring the six groups of health-associated practices that are contributing to the top causes of deaths and disability amongst youths and adults. Some of these behaviors are those which are contributing to unintended injuries and violent behavior; sexual practices which lead to unintentional pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections; alcohol and other drug use; tobacco use; detrimental dietary practices; and the insufficient engagement in physical exercise. This paper discusses these health behaviors and the top factors associated with increased death and disability rates among youths and adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d).

Paper For Above instruction

The health behaviors identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) play a critical role in influencing mortality and morbidity rates among both youth and adult populations. These behaviors, including substance use, risky sexual activity, unhealthy dietary habits, and physical inactivity, are modifiable risk factors that significantly contribute to preventable deaths worldwide, particularly in developed countries like the United States.

Among the most concerning behaviors is alcohol and other drug use. Studies indicate that alcohol consumption leads to approximately 41% of all motor vehicle-related deaths in the United States (Kann et al., 2014). Alcohol use is associated with a broad spectrum of injuries, including accidents, violence, and intentional self-harm. It is estimated that roughly 100,000 deaths annually in the U.S. are linked to alcohol consumption (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d). High rates of intoxication among adolescents and young adults exacerbate the risk factors, leading to a deemed urgent need for intervention strategies targeting youth alcohol misuse.

Similarly, tobacco use remains a significant public health concern. Despite declines, about 3,600 adolescents aged 12 to 17 have tried their first cigarette, and tobacco-related causes contribute to five deaths daily among this age group (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d). Tobacco use is directly linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures such as education, policy regulation, and cessation programs.

Risky sexual behaviors also contribute substantially to youth health issues. Annually, approximately 19 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur in the United States, with a notable proportion affecting young people aged 15–24 years (Kann et al., 2014). Alarmingly, in 2009, about 34% of sexually active high school students reported not using protection consistently during intercourse. These risky sexual behaviors significantly increase the risk of unplanned pregnancies and STIs, including HIV/AIDS, which have long-term health consequences (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d).

Unhealthy dietary practices and physical inactivity further exacerbate health risks. Poor dietary habits, such as low consumption of fruits and vegetables, have been linked to obesity and cardiovascular diseases. In 2009, only 23.3% of high school students reported eating fruits or vegetables five or more times daily (Kann et al., 2014). The rise in sedentary lifestyles, characterized by screen time and insufficient physical activity, is also alarming; only 18% of high school students engaged in at least one hour of physical activity daily. This lack of physical activity increases the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d).

Addressing these health behaviors requires a comprehensive approach that includes education, policy implementation, community-based interventions, and healthcare services. Promoting healthy lifestyle choices among youth can prevent many of these risk factors, ultimately reducing the burden of preventable diseases and improving public health outcomes. Strategies such as school-based health programs, public awareness campaigns, and regulations restricting access to alcohol, tobacco, and unhealthy foods are vital in mitigating these risks (Karnik & Kanekar, 2012).

In conclusion, youth engagement in risky health behaviors significantly contributes to high rates of death and disability. Understanding the underlying factors and implementing targeted interventions are essential steps toward fostering healthier communities. Stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, healthcare providers, and families, must collaborate to design effective prevention strategies that address these modifiable risk behaviors, thereby enhancing overall health and well-being across the lifespan.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d). Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). Retrieved April 5, 2020, from Adolescents and School Health.
  • Kann, L., Kinchen, S., Shanklin, S., Flint, K., Hawkins, J., Harris, W., et al. (2014). Youth risk behavior surveillance—the United States, 2013. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Surveillance Summaries, 63(4), 1-168.
  • Karnik, S. K., & Kanekar, A. (2012). Childhood obesity: A review of increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Clinical Pediatrics, 51(9), 857–862.
  • Akselrod, S. (2018). Non-Communicable Disease: Country Profile. World Health Organization.
  • Edemekong, P., & Huang, B. (2019). Epidemiology of Prevention of Communicable Diseases. Kansas Health Department.
  • Kostova, D., et al. (n.d). Synergies between Communicable and Non-communicable Disease Programs to Enhance Global Health Security. DOI:.
  • World Health Organization. (n.d). Non-Communicable Diseases Country Profiles. WHO.
  • Hoffman, S. J., & Tan, C. (2015). Public health strategies for preventing non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries. BMJ, 350, g775.
  • Hingson, R., & Winter, M. (2014). Effects of age at drinking onset on various health and social outcomes. Pediatrics, 134(Suppl 1), S68–S76.
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2012). Preventing tobacco use among youth and young adults: A report of the Surgeon General. USDHHS.

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