Keeping Your Teen Healthy
Maria Demma Cabral, MD
Board Certified in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and previously served as Chief of Adolescent Medicine and Associate Professor in Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at Western Michigan University’s Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine. Dr. Cabral treats children ages 11-21 as they go through physical, emotional and intellectual development.
By Maria Demma Cabral, MD, adolescent medicine specialist, Grotenhuis Pediatric Clinics, Cottage Children’s Medical Center
There has been much effort and focus on improving the health of adolescents over recent years in the pediatric community.
Adolescence is the period of transition from childhood to adulthood, and it consists of three stages: 11-14 years old (early adolescence), 15-17 years old (middle adolescence) and 18-21 years old (late adolescence).
During adolescence, a child goes through physical, emotional and intellectual development and begins to establish their own independence, identity and healthy body image. It is also an important time of connecting socially with peers.
To ensure the well-being of your child through the adolescent years, several medical professional societies, particularly the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend that children see their trusted physicians each year for annual physicals/wellness checks.
These checkups are conducted usually before the school term starts or around the teen’s birthday. During the first part of the check, parents or guardians are present to review general health including family medical history, allergies, medications, vaccination status and any concerns they have.
The second part of the well-care visit is private between the teen and medical professional, to ensure confidentiality as they discuss home life, school life, relationships, personal goals and any sensitive topics the child wants to address.
In addition to general health issues, teens should be screened for:
- Mood disorders, including thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Eating disorders
- Substance use, such as alcohol, drugs, tobacco and vaping
- Gender identity concerns
- Sexual preferences, practices and concerns
- History of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)
- Sleep concerns
- Social media use
It is important to return to the clinic for a follow up on any identified concerning issue(s).
After the clinical interview, a complete physical examination including review of the vital signs will be performed with a focus on changes related to puberty and an assessment of an adolescent’s sexual maturity. Depending on their age at the time of their wellness check, the teen may also be screened for cholesterol, anemia and sexually transmitted infections.
By the end of the check-up, the medical professional will help guide both you and your child toward lifelong healthy habits. You should be encouraged to stay involved and promote well-being while at the same time allowing your child to have needed privacy.
Teenagers having trusted allies – in their parents/guardians and their healthcare providers -- leads to healthier growth, development and adulthood.
