NHS Health Scotland has launched a new animation on Adverse Childhood Experiences, also known as ACEs.
ACEs are stressful events that occur in childhood and can a have lifelong impact on health and behaviour. We know that compared to people with no ACEs, those with 4 or more are more likely to have health harming conditions, such as developing heart disease, Type 2 diabetes or to drink, smoke or take drugs. We also know that people living in the most deprived areas have a higher risk of ACEs, so preventing them should be seen in the wider context of tackling societal inequalities.
The animation highlights what they are and what we can all do to help prevent them.