Goal Improve the healthy development, health, safety, and well-being of adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Overview Adolescents (ages 10 to 17) and young adults (ages 18 to 25) make up 22% of the United States population. 1 The behavioral patterns established during these developmental periods help determine young people’s current health status and their risk for developing chronic diseases during adulthood. 2 Although adolescence and young adulthood are generally healthy times of life, some important health and social problems either start or peak during these years. 3 Examples include: Mental disorders Substance use Smoking/nicotine use Nutrition and weight conditions Sexually transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Teen and unintended pregnancies Homelessness Academic problems and dropping out of school Homicide Suicide Motor vehicle collisions Because they are in developmental transition, adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are particularly sensitive to influences from their social environments. 4 Their families, peer groups, schools, and neighborhoods can either support or threaten young people’s health and well-being. 5 Societal policies and cues, such as structural racism and media messages, can do the same. 5 Older adolescents and young adults, including those with chronic health conditions, may face challenges as they transition from the child to the adult health care system, such as changes in their insurance coverage and legal status and decreased attention to their developmental and behavioral needs. 6 Bolstering the positive development of young people facilitates their adoption of healthy behaviors and helps ensure a healthy and productive adult population. 7 , 8

The basics of healthy eating and good nutrition are the same for women and men: Choose healthy foods most of the time and limit the amount of unhealthy foods you eat. But women have some unique nutritional needs, especially in different stages of life. And healthy eating can be difficult to fit into your everyday life. We’ve got answers to your questions about healthy eating. Why is healthy eating important? Do women have different nutritional needs than men? What vitamins and minerals do women need?

Summary Most men need to pay more attention to their health. Compared to women, men are more likely to Smoke and drink Make unhealthy or risky choices Put off regular checkups and medical care There are also health conditions that only affect men, such as prostate cancer and low testosterone. Many of the major health risks that men face - like colon cancer or heart disease - can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. Screening tests can find diseases early, when they are easier to treat. It's important to get the screening tests you need.