What people need and how they understand health changes as they grow is important to be aware of, so that you can adapt messages to each life stage.
Talking about healthy habits early can help people make positive choices that last into adulthood and any future pregnancy.
Reproductive health education starts in schools when children are around 10-years-old and then builds on their knowledge year on year.
Adolescence
Adolescence is a time of physical, emotional, and social change.
Young people may be more influenced by peers and may try risky behaviours like smoking, unhealthy eating, or using substances. Concerns about body image and wanting independence can also affect their choices.
However, this is also a great stage for building strong foundations. Encouraging healthy eating, regular physical activity, good sleep, and stress‑management skills can benefit them throughout life.
You could:
- ask young people how they are feeling about school, friendships, and changes in their bodies
- ask gently about lifestyle habits such as eating, sleep, physical activity, and screen time
- ask about any worries they have, including peer pressure, body image, or trying things that might harm their health
- ask what they already know about healthy choices and where they get information (friends, internet, social media)
- give clear, simple messages about how to be healthy
- share practical next steps, sign posting to support services, wellbeing apps, or local activity groups, offer leaflets or links to trusted resources suitable for young people
- help them set one or two small, realistic goals (for example, eating breakfast, going for a daily walk, improving sleep routines)
- follow organisational safeguarding policies if you have concerns about risky behaviour, exploitation, or harm
Young adulthood
Young adults often face major life changes, starting work, forming relationships, or thinking about the future.
Stress, money worries, and busy schedules can make it harder to stay healthy. People might be less active, eat poorly, or feel overwhelmed.
Young adulthood is a key time to promote long‑term health planning.
You could:
- ask about how life is changing for them, such as work, education, relationships, money, housing, or plans for the future.
- ask how stress affects their daily life and what helps them cope
- ask about lifestyle habits such as eating, physical activity, sleep, and alcohol or smoking
- ask if they have any questions or worries about their long‑term health or future fertility, even if they are not planning a pregnancy
- offer simple, supportive messages about mental wellbeing, staying active, eating well, and managing stress
- signpost to helpful services such as GPs, mental‑health support, Your Sexual Health Matters, stop‑smoking services, and local wellbeing or fitness groups
- help them choose one or two small goals they feel ready to work on, such as improving sleep, walking more, planning meals, or reducing alcohol
- share trusted resources (websites, apps, leaflets) that fit their needs
Preconception and family planning
Some people begin actively thinking about pregnancy during this stage.
Health conditions, stress, or lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
This is a valuable time to talk about steps that support a healthy pregnancy.
Promoting preconception health early, starting in adolescence and continuing into adulthood helps people to make healthier choices and reduces the risk of complications in pregnancy.
You could:
- ask if they have started thinking about having a baby now or in the future
- ask about general health, long‑term conditions, medicines, or anything they are worried about
- ask gently about lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol, diet, physical activity, and stress, as these can affect fertility and future pregnancy
- ask what they already know about preconception health and whether they want more information or support
- give simple, clear messages about why preconception health matters for both parents and babies:
- stopping smoking
- avoiding alcohol
- eating well
- doing regular activity
- managing long‑term conditions with their GP
- taking folic acid when planning a pregnancy
- starting a pregnancy at a healthy weight
- signposting to appropriate services, such as GPs, sexual‑health services, smoking‑cessation programmes, mental‑health support, or weight‑management services
- help them set small, achievable goals for improving their health (for example, swapping sugary drinks, going for short walks, cutting down on alcohol, or booking a health check)
- offer leaflets, website links, and local resources on preconception care, contraception, and healthy lifestyles
- encourage them to seek a preconception health review if they have a long‑term condition or are taking regular medication
Not planning a baby, key messages still matter
Even if someone is not planning a pregnancy, it's still helpful to talk about their health. Many pregnancies are unplanned, and being healthy from the start can make a big difference.
Being healthy before pregnancy gives both parents and babies the best chance for a strong start in life.
You could:
- ask about general health and wellbeing in a friendly, non‑judgmental way
- ask about their lifestyle habits such as eating, activity, sleep, smoking, alcohol, and stress
- ask whether they know where to get reliable information on contraception and sexual health
- ask if they have any long‑term conditions or medicines they want support with, even if pregnancy is not on their mind
- explain that even if someone is not planning a pregnancy, many pregnancies are unplanned, so staying healthy now can help their future health
- share simple, clear messages about being healthy
- signpost to local services such as GPs, smoking cessation, healthy‑lifestyle programmes, mental‑health support, and Your Sexual Health Matters for contraception advice
- provide trusted information resources, leaflets, or websites tailored to their needs
- help them set small, achievable goals (for example, adding one fruit or vegetable a day, walking more often, or reducing alcohol)
- encourage regular health checks and routine screenings