Preventive health care for the adolescent.

Adolescents represent the only segment of the population with an increasing mortality rate. The majority of deaths are due to accidents, homicide and suicide. The risks for these events are associated with developing sexuality and the use of drugs and alcohol. Behaviors that put the young person's future health at risk, such as poor nutritional habits, the use of tobacco and lack of exercise, are often established during adolescence. Surveillance of risk and interventions to prevent problems are critical activities for the family physician.