No longer children and not quite adults, teens face a combustible mix of physical and mental-health issues that can set the stage for long-term problems in adulthood, ranging from obesity and chronic disease to substance abuse and depression. Only about 650 doctors nationwide, a tiny fraction of the total number, are board certified in adolescent medicine. Now, government agencies and medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, are developing programs to train primary-care doctors to more effectively treat adolescents. Doctors are changing how they talk with their teen patients and coming up with phrasing that they think encourages teens to discuss feelings.
In a social media landscape shaped by hashtags, algorithms, and viral posts, nurse leaders must decide: Will they let the narrative spiral, or can they adapt and join the conversation?
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