Physical Needs

Developing into a young adult means being able to provide for yourself and take care of your needs, including basic physical needs. Here’s how to start.

Air Quality

If you live in the United States, check your region’s status at AirNow.gov. When the Air Quality Index gets into unhealthy ranges, try to stay inside.

If you smoke, or if you live with someone who smokes cigarettes, vapes or marijuana, your lungs are at risk because secondhand smoke can cause the air inside your home to deteriorate. Breathing smoke-free air will make a significant improvement in your health. To quit, get help from SmokeFree.gov.

Food

Nutrients provide your body with the fuel it needs to function. It helps to keep track of the nutrients your body needs and how much it’s currently getting. ChooseMyPlate.gov provides daily food plans and worksheets based on different age groups.

See the Young Adults Nutrition section and Young Adults Sports and Fitness articles for more information about nutrition, cooking and exercise.

Water

Depending on where you live, your water supply will vary. It may have minerals such as calcium and fluoride. It may also contain pollutants such as fertilizer, prescription medication or other chemicals. Some tap water is unsafe to drink. Some bottled water contains pollutants.

The bottom line is, know what you’re drinking. Check the EPA Ground Water and Drinking Water site and the State of California Water Boards Database for more information.

Shelter

Finding a place to live can be tricky, depending on your income and where you live. Here are a few options:

• Low-income housing.
• School dormitory.
• Greek-life community (fraternity or sorority).
• Finding your own apartment.

Youth reviewer: Ashley Becker

Last reviewed: October 2018