Illness and Disability

Welcome!

Types of illness and disability Born with an illness or disability Learning you have an illness or disability Living with an illness or disability Rehabilitation Becoming independent Games and activities Medical issues Medical terms Do you know someone with an illness or disability?

What is an illness?

• An illness is a sickness. An illness can be acute, which means it comes on quickly and is over quickly (like a cold or the flu) or it can be chronic, which means it lasts a long time (like asthma or diabetes).

What is a disability?

• A disability is a physical or mental problem that makes it harder to do normal daily activities.

Did you know that millions of young people have an illness or disability?

There are a lot of different kinds of illnesses and disabilities and each one affects teens in a different way.

If you have an illness or disability, it can be hard to take care of your needs, but you are not alone! Your friends and family are there to support you. And remember, there are many young women out there who have to take extra care of their health just like you. For help along the way, click on the links to the right.

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Last updated June 2007