Feb. 6, 2020 | It’s important for your teen-ager to see a physician at least once a year. This will allow the doctor to keep track of changes in physical, mental, and social development and offer advice against unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and drinking. The doctor also can help your child 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. A complete physical examination should be performed at least once during early adolescence, between 11 and 14 years of age. Teens should undergo another physical during middle adolescence and again during late adolescence, between 18 to 21. If your child has a chronic medical condition or if certain clinical symptoms are present, more frequent exams might be needed.

Feb. 6, 2020 | By the time a young person reaches the age of 13, they should have already been vaccinated for varicella, measles, mumps, and rubella, hepatitis A and B, meningococcal meningitis and HPV, well as receiving the Tdap booster for diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis. Doctors recommend administering the Tdap booster at 11 to 12 years of age, with a tetanus and diptheria booster every 10 years thereafter. 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 kids 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. A physician can also provide counseling on issues such as the use of alcohol and tobacco.

Feb. 6, 2020 | If you suspect that your teen has a physical disorder, a psychological problem, or a problem with drugs or alcohol, you should contact their physician immediately. Issues involving puberty and sexual development are typical concerns for this age group. Doctors who establish a policy of confidentiality can serve as a valuable resource for a teen by answering questions and providing 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 is endangered by the situation. Most teens feel comfortable talking to their parents about their medical issues, but others prefer to keep certain aspects of their health private. Because parents usually need to stay involved in certain aspects of their child’s medical care until that person reaches 18, it can help to find a “middle ground” that satisfies the patient and the parents.

Feb. 6, 2020 | Have you looked at your teen-ager lately? Before you know it, that young boy or girl will be graduating from high school and going off to college. With adulthood just around the corner, there’s no time like the present to begin encouraging teens to take on a leading role in their health care. Giving kids new responsibilities doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll follow through on them. It’s still up to you to encourage, remind, reinforce, and follow up on the responsibilities you’ve given them. As kids get older, it’s especially important for those with chronic conditions, like asthma or diabetes, to become more knowledgeable about their illnesses and self-reliant when it comes to medical practices. Kids with special needs and developmental disabilities can also learn to manage some aspects of their care. It often helps to get the green light first from a doctor or other medical professional on how and when to begin transitioning your child into more independent living.

Feb. 6, 2020 | When it comes to teen-agers, “normal” heights and weights are difficult to define. Your teen’s growth pattern is largely determined by genetics. Shorter parents tend to have shorter kids, whereas taller parents tend to have taller kids. Although you may worry if your child isn’t as tall as other classmates, the more important question is whether your child is continuing to grow at a normal rate. If your doctor detects a problem, such as a growth rate that had been proceeding normally but has recently flattened, he or she may track your child’s measurements carefully over several months to determine whether the growth pattern suggests a possible health problem or is just a variation of normal. It’s not unusual for teens to have their own concerns about how they’re growing and how they look. Encourage your teen to bring up any of these concerns with their doctor. The physician can provide reassurance that other kids have the same concerns about their size.