Despite increased abilities across developmental realms, including the maturation of pain systems involving self-regulation and the coordination of affect and cognition, the transition to young adulthood is accompanied by higher rates of mortality, greater engagement in health-damaging behaviors, and an increase in chronic conditions. Rates of motor vehicle fatality and homicide peak during young adulthood, as do mental health problems, substance abuse, unintentional pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections.
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Young adulthood is a critical period for health, marked by numerous risks that can impact future health outcomes. Advanced practice nurses (APNs) are in a unique position to provide preventive screening and interventions to improve the health of young adults. This essay will discuss the various ways APNs can play a role in promoting health among young adults.
Firstly, APNs can provide preventive screening for a range of health conditions commonly encountered in young adulthood. Preventive screening can help identify risk factors and early signs of health problems before they become severe. For example, APNs can conduct regular physical exams and screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), cancer, and mental health problems. APNs can also provide education on healthy behaviors such as safe sex, regular exercise, and healthy eating, which can help prevent chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2017).
Secondly, APNs can provide early interventions to prevent or manage health problems in young adults. For example, APNs can provide counseling and support for young adults dealing with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. They can also provide substance abuse counseling, smoking cessation programs, and education on safe driving practices to prevent motor vehicle accidents (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).
Finally, APNs can collaborate with other healthcare professionals to promote the health of young adults. For instance, APNs can work with primary care physicians, social workers, and community health organizations to develop and implement programs that promote healthy behaviors and provide preventive screening for young adults (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2016). Collaborative efforts can help ensure that young adults receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their health.
In conclusion, APNs can play a crucial role in promoting the health of young adults through preventive screening and interventions. By providing regular screenings, early interventions, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals, APNs can help young adults avoid or manage health problems and achieve optimal health outcomes. It is important that APNs remain knowledgeable about the unique health challenges faced by young adults and develop strategies that can address these challenges effectively.
References:
American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2016). Nurse practitioner primary care competencies in specialty areas: Adult-gerontology, family, pediatrics, and women’s health. Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/advocacy-resource/position-statements/nurse-practitioner-primary-care-competencies-in-specialty-areas
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Young adult health. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/2019/021.pdf
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017). Preventing diabetes problems. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems
