Health experts recommend at least one yearly check-up for adults and teenagers regardless of how well they feel. Unlike babies and young children who see the doctor monthly because of vaccination schedules, teenagers tend to be averse to medical and dental check-ups. While they may appear to be in the pink of health, teenagers also experience a myriad of physical problems that require medical attention.
Teenagers barely see doctors. Even with medical insurance, less than a third of some 300,000 teenagers surveyed visited a physician in the last three years. The American Academy of Pediatrics said this age group had the least number of annual check-ups.
What do they need check-ups for?
Family doctors with medical practice in Lehi, Utah can attend to teenage patients for check-ups or routine physical exams. The appointments may be booked by the patients themselves or their parents, and the results of the visit can be kept private if the teenagers so wish.
Besides the standard measurement of height, weight, and checking vital signs, the family doctor can also order additional laboratory examinations, such as checking blood sugar levels, cholesterol, liver, and kidney function and many more.
These may be needed to rule out suspicion of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes, which can appear early. Today’s lifestyle and penchant for fast food can trigger the advanced onset of these diseases. To prevent these kinds of illnesses, teenage kids need to eat healthy foods and exercise regularly.
Besides these, doctors also check for hernias in men. Young males are also taught self-examination so that they can check their testicles for any abnormal growth.
Monitor overall health and well-being
Teenagers still need to have their vaccines and immunization records updated. There are necessary booster shots required to increase your immunity against measles, chickenpox, pertussis, tetanus, and others.
The doctor will also check the teen’s eyes and ears and the teeth for visible signs of decay, plaque or cavities, dental development and so on. If there are problems, the family doctor can make a referral to a dentist within the same area or you can go to your family dentist if you already have one.
More importantly, the family doctor will also check on the patients’ well-being and mental health. They will be asked if they exercise, eat well, have nervous or anxiety attacks, and if they are experiencing peer pressure or are being bullied in school. All of these can affect their overall health and are serious factors to consider when coming in for a check-up.
There is nothing to be afraid of when teenagers go to a family doctor for a check-up or consultation. It is best to seek medical help as early as possible whether or not they feel that something is wrong or feel abnormal. Do not wait until the last minute. As their parents, it is your responsibility to encourage your teenage kids to continue visiting a doctor even when they think they are healthy and have nothing to worry about.
