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Female Sexual Development
For girls, puberty begins from age 8 to 13. There is a great amount of variation in the rate of physical and sexual maturity that may occur during adolescence.
Male Sexual Development
In boys, it is difficult to know exactly when puberty is coming. Changes occur, but they do so gradually over a period of time rather than as a single event.
Sexually Transmitted Disease
Sexually transmitted diseases are among the most common infectious diseases in the US. Find out the facts about STD’s and learn how to protect your teen.
Eating Disorders
Anorexia and bulimia are much more common in girls than in boys, but both genders are at higher risk in certain sports that emphasize thinness or that have weight restrictions.
Mood Disorders
Parents may miss the signs of depression in a teen. Or, they may believe their child will “snap out of it” eventually. But if left untreated, depression can worsen.
Alcohol and Tobacco
Smoking and drinking can have a huge impact on teen health. Teens are more likely to become addicted to nicotine. And alcohol impairs judgment—a big problem for youths who already lack experience.
Drugs
Look here for information on commonly abused drugs, from methamphetamine to cough medicine and prescription medications.