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Lessons

Health and medicines

Owning your health

As you become independent, you take charge of your own health. Learn what to know about yourself, how to keep records, and how to make safe choices on your own.
5 minutes·For 17 to 19, 20 to 24

Know your own health story

Until now, a parent may have remembered your health details for you. Start learning them yourself: your blood group, allergies, past illnesses and operations, regular medicines and family history of conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

Keep a copy of your vaccination record and important reports. A digital health record such as ABHA can help you keep everything in one place.

Booking and attending care

Learn how to book a doctor's appointment, find a nearby government health centre, and use a pharmacy.

Once you are 18, you can see a doctor on your own and your information is confidential. Under 18, a doctor may involve a parent or guardian, especially where safety is concerned.

Find out whether you are covered by family health insurance or a government health scheme, and keep the details handy.

Everyday safety choices

Wear a helmet on two-wheelers and a seatbelt in cars. Never drive after drinking alcohol or using drugs, and never ride with someone who has.

Tobacco in any form, including gutka and vapes, harms health and is highly addictive. Selling vapes is banned in India. Help to quit is available from doctors and quitlines.

Alcohol and drugs affect judgement, sleep, mood and safety. If you choose to drink once you are of legal age, know your limits and look after your friends.

Your health toolkit

Save important numbers: 112 for emergencies, 108 for an ambulance in many states, Tele-MANAS 14416, and your doctor's number.

Keep a basic first aid kit: bandages, antiseptic, a thermometer and any medicines your doctor has prescribed for you.

Make time for the basics: sleep, regular meals, movement, friends and rest.

Key points

  • Learn your own medical history, allergies and blood group.
  • Keep your health records safe, on paper or digitally.
  • From 18, your health information is confidential.
  • Helmets, seatbelts and no drink-driving save lives.
  • Save emergency and helpline numbers.

Myth or fact?

Myth

Young people do not need to think about their health.

Fact

Habits you build now, like sleep, activity and avoiding tobacco, shape your health for decades.

Myth

Vaping is a safe alternative to smoking.

Fact

Vapes contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals and are addictive. Their sale is banned in India.

When to get help

  • In an emergency, call 112.
  • Talk to a doctor if you want help quitting tobacco, alcohol or other substances.
  • Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 if you are feeling overwhelmed by independence or life changes.
Get help now

Check what you know

Question 1

1.Which details are useful to know about your own health?

Question 2

2.From what age is your health information confidential when you see a doctor alone?

Question 3

3.Which is the safest choice after a party where your driver has been drinking?

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Based on guidance from WHO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (RKSK), NHS. Awaiting review by Puberty Lab's clinical advisory board. General education, not medical advice for any one person.

Owning your health · Puberty Lab