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Preventing health problems during childhood and adolescence

Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections among adolescents

Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) can have harmful effects on health and lifelong consequences. Infected individuals, often because they have no symptoms, can pass an STBBI to their partners without knowing it.

To reduce the risks associated with STBBIs, adolescents should have their sexual health assessed by a healthcare professional at least once a year. The healthcare professional will determine whether STBBI risk factors are present. They will offer advice to adopt and maintain safe behaviour (ex., using condoms). They will also be able to recommend screening for certain STBBIs and vaccines (ex., vaccines against hepatitis A, hepatitis B and the human papillomavirus). They will offer preventive treatment to an adolescent who has been exposed to an STBBI as needed. They will also be able to support an adolescent with an STBBI in notifying his or her sexual partners.

Starting at age 14, adolescents can give their own consent to the non-emergency care proposed by a healthcare professional, in a confidential manner.

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Obesity in children and adolescents

Excess weight and obesity are caused by several factors including genetics, the environment in which we live, lifestyle, etc. But even when we are well informed, willing and determined, it is sometimes difficult to regularly adopt behaviour that promotes healthy lifestyle habits, particularly dedicating enough time to regularly engaging in physical activities and eating well.

Excess weight and obesity increase the risk of developing health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Perception of weight could also have an impact on self-esteem, mental health and social pressure.

If you suspect your youngster is overweight, a healthcare professional can determine the possible causes and consequences, and direct you to the appropriate resources. The use of medication, products or services to lose weight can negatively impact health and is often ineffective over the long term.

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Protection against ultraviolet rays for children and adolescents

Ultraviolet (UV) rays can permanently damage the skin and eyes of children and adolescents. Any exposure at an early age has a greater effect than at any other age and increases risks (e.g. cancer, skin aging). It should be reduced as much as possible. Children and adolescents with fair skin, red or blond hair, blue, green or grey eyes, freckles or skin that reddens quickly in the sun are most at risk.

Artificial ultraviolet rays

Artificial tanning is prohibited for people under the age of 18. It offers no health benefits and all exposure to tanning equipment is recognized as carcinogenic. It does not protect you from the effects of the sun and should not be used as a source of vitamin D. It can treat some diseases under the supervision of a qualified health professional.

Natural ultraviolet rays

Avoid exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Choose locations in the shade or protect yourself with a sunshade, wide-brimmed hat and clothing that covers the arms and legs providing effective sun protection. If exposure to the sun cannot be avoided, apply sunscreen. Ensure that the sunscreen is applied 30 minutes before exposure, then reapply every two hours, after swimming or after intense physical effort. The sunscreen must be rated SPF 30 or higher. Sunglasses are encouraged but must offer “100% UV protection” or “UV 400”.

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Buccodental health in children and adolescents

Tooth decay is caused by sugars in food and bacteria in the mouth. It affects a large majority of the population.

To prevent tooth decay in children aged 2 to 17 years:

  • schedule a dental exam at least once a year or as recommended by the dentist;
  • supervise, terminate or do your child’s toothbrushing until the age of 7 or 8 years. Fluoride toothpaste must be applied by an adult and kept out of reach of young children;
  • brush teeth at least twice a day for two minutes;
  • use floss (or interdental brush) once a day if the teeth are touching;
  • check your child’s dental health once a month by lifting the lip to look for early signs of tooth decay.

For effective toothbrushing:

  • choose a toothbrush adapted to the age of your child. The toothbrush must have soft bristles to avoid causing injury to the gums and a rounded head to reach all the teeth;
  • use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride makes teeth more resistant and reduces the action of bacteria that cause tooth decay;
  • adjust the quantity of toothpaste to the child’s age:
    • the equivalent of a grain of rice for children under the age of 3 years,
    • the equivalent of a pea for children aged 3 to 6 years,
    • from 0.5 cm to 1 cm for children over 6 years;
  • show your child how to spit out the excess toothpaste but, to protect the teeth against tooth decay longer, do not rinse the mouth after brushing.

Promot healthy eating habits and make water the child’s drink of choice This hyperlink will open in a new window. at all times

Given the risks to oral health, a health professional will be able to help you prevent children aged 12 years and older from smoking or stop smoking.

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Smoking among adolescents

Smoking has multiple harmful effects on the physical health of not only smokers, but also non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke. Tobacco affects brain development in adolescents: smoking can alter memory, concentration and impulse control.

Moreover, smoking reduces the duration and quality of life. It can cause 16 types of cancer This hyperlink will open in a new window. (in French only) and can be an important risk factor for 21 chronic diseases This hyperlink will open in a new window.. These complications can be avoided by preventing adolescent’s from starting smoking and encouraging them to give up smoking and vaping with nicotine. In fact, the nicotine in cigarettes and in vaping products can cause dependency.

To reduce the risks associated with smoking, a health professional can assess the adolescent’s history of smoking tobacco or vaping products and offer effective interventions for helping the individual to quit.

Videos (in French only)

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Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content after the video

Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content before the video.

Watch the video

Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content after the video

Disclaimer: the video player is YouTube’s and may have some accessibility barriers. You can skip to the content before the video.

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For youth

For parents

Vaccination of children and adolescents

Several serious diseases can be avoided through vaccination (ex., diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, measles, rubella, mumps, the human papillomavirus, the flu, COVID-19, etc.). Vaccines not only protect the vaccinated person but also limit the spread of diseases in the community.

If the child has received basic immunization before the age of two, additional vaccines are needed from the ages of 4 to 6 years, according to the recommended immunization schedule. Some vaccines are offered in school, particularly in the 4th year of primary and the 3rd year of secondary.

Consult a health professional to find out which vaccines are recommended for your child, especially if you have not received any vaccines or if your vaccinations are not up to date.

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Last update: March 21, 2024

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