By meeting yearly with your teen, the doctor can keep track of changes in physical,
mental, and social development and offer advice about avoiding unhealthy behaviors,
such as smoking and drinking.
The doctor also can help your teen understand the importance of choosing a healthy
lifestyle that includes good nutrition, proper exercise, and safety measures.
The more that teens understand about their physical growth and sexual
development, the more they will recognize the importance of active involvement
in their own health
care.
What to Expect at the Doctor's Office
Teens should visit their doctors annually. Those with a chronic medical condition
or certain clinical signs or symptoms might need more frequent visits.
Medical care should include screenings for high
blood pressure, obesity,
eating disorders,
depression,
and if indicated, hyperlipidemia (an excess of cholesterol
and/or other fats in the blood). Older teens may be screened for alcohol, drugs, and
sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs). A tuberculin (PPD) test may be done if a teen is at risk for
tuberculosis.
Vision and hearing will be checked. Teens are also checked for scoliosis
(curvature of the spine).
Immunizations
By age 13, teens should have already had these immunizations:
Doctors recommend a Tdap booster at 11–12 years of age, with a tetanus and
diphtheria booster (Td) every 10 years after that. The Tdap vaccine is also recommended
for all pregnant women during the second half of each pregnancy, regardless
of whether or not they had it before, or when it was last given. The flu
vaccine, given before flu season each year, also is recommended.
As teens go through puberty, issues of sexual health will be addressed. Young
women may be referred to a gynecologist
for a first visit. Young men will be checked for hernias
and testicular cancer and taught how to do a testicular self-exam.
Teens should be asked about behaviors or emotional problems that may indicate depression
or the risk of suicide.
The doctor also should provide counseling about risky behaviors and other issues,
including:
- sexual activities that may result in unintended pregnancy and STDs
- use of alcohol and other substances, including anabolic steroids
- use of tobacco products, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco
- drinking and driving
- the importance of bicycle helmets, seatbelts, and protective sports gear
- how to resolve conflicts without violence,
including how to avoid the use of weapons
- learning problems or difficulties at school
- importance of regular physical activity
Common Medical Problems
Sports injuries
and other problems, such as knee pain and headaches, are common concerns. Your
teen's doctor should evaluate any pain that is severe or long-lasting.
Issues involving puberty and sexual development are typical concerns for teens.
Doctors can be a valuable resource by answering questions and giving guidance during
this period of physical and emotional changes. Teens should be reassured that anything
they discuss with their doctor will be kept confidential, unless their health or the
health of others could possibly be in danger.
If You Have Concerns
Parents or other caregivers should receive health guidance from their teen's doctor
during these routine checkups.
The doctor will share information about normal development, including signs and symptoms
of illness or emotional distress and ways to watch for and manage potentially harmful
behaviors.
If you think that your teen has a physical disorder, a psychological problem, or
a problem with drugs or alcohol, contact the doctor.
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