The age between 13-18 years is associated with numerous changes ranging from social, emotional, and significant physical changes in the human body. The changes could, however, begin as early as the age of 7-8 years. Physical pubertal changes are easily monitored as they grow in a predictable line, which could last up to 4 years. During this period, the adolescent begins to recognize their development and feelings of self-image, the ability to form mature relationships, personal identity, and autonomy from the parents' sets in. When these changes occur, most individuals are overwhelmed, thus begin to compare their body changes with those of the same sex. Disputes and separation from parents arise, while peer pressure and their sexual drive begin to increase. Counselling on sexual health, substance abuse, and mental health is important for girls in their teens.
Maintaining a good sexual health is often a challenge in adolescence. Girls in the adolescent stage are likely to succumb to pressure from their peers and engage in sexual promiscuity leading to unwanted pregnancies or contraction of sexually transmitted diseases and infections that could compromise their health. In the US, 16 is the legal age at which girls can be sexually active, thus free to have contraception ( Oringanje, et al., 2016) . Contraception is crucial for teens that choose to be sexually active as it is at this stage that unintended pregnancies are most likely to disrupt their school life. The topic is contentious, but 16 can be confusing and exciting, with hormonal surges that may blind the decision-making ability of the adolescent. Having birth control is safer than regretting a pregnancy or having to procure an abortion. Sexually active teens are advised to use latex to evade the repercussions brought by birth control pills and implants ( Oringanje, et al., 2016) . It is also vital that the adolescent girls eat foods rich in iron to ensure that they replenish the blood lost during menstruation
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Risk-taking is common among adolescents because it is an experimental stage for teens that thirst to explore and make discoveries without considering the harm they are putting themselves in ( Salama & Elsayed, 2017) . Seeking clarification from parents and health practitioners in an endeavor to understand the changes and deciding what is right is also essential for adolescents. In so doing, they can understand and accept the changes that could otherwise ruin their social relationships or affect their lives adversely.
For instance, especially in the wake of social media, drug abuse is portrayed as "cool." Understanding its effects prevents impaired judgment, which is linked to wrong choices. It is not uncommon to find teenagers in health facilities after a night of reckless drug use reporting defilement, seeking Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), or the morning-after pill, all due to unintended sex ( Salama & Elsayed, 2017) . In the course of understanding themselves, adolescent girls will also recognize their role in society and the hope that it places in them, given that the community is working towards empowering the female gender.
Mental health is a great challenge for teenage women. Adolescents are also encouraged to have private consultations with healthcare workers. Ethics in healthcare practice demands confidentiality; thus, adolescent girls can find closure for their problems. Depression is currently a leading issue among adolescents, but that can be solved by a counseling psychologist ( Thomson, 2018) . If a psychologist is not available, other medical practitioners, such as nurses, who are more readily available, will assist. For adolescents, discussing their sex life is also an uphill task as most of them fear the information may be shared with their parents. The information is only shareable if the nurse needs to make a decision that involves a minor. However, for those of legal age, the information is confidential.
Holistic living encompasses nutritional status, emotional and psychiatric issues, as well as sexual practices. Teenage girls should practice healthy living for their physical and mental health. Proper sex education also ensures that they have a vast knowledge of their sexuality and make informed decisions.
References
Oringanje, C., Meremikwu, M. M., Eko, H., Esu, E., Meremikwu, A., & Ehiri, J. E. (2016). Interventions for preventing unintended pregnancies among adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews , (2).
Salama, L. A., & Elsayed, A. (2017). Risk-taking Behaviors and the related Factors among Female Adolescents' Students enrolled in the Secondary Schools. Madridge J Nurs , 2 (1), 34-43.
Thomson, J. D. (2018). Depression and Suicide in Teens Today. Publisher’s Page , 37 .
