Between the ages of 13 and 18, teens may require only 1 or 2 routine health exams, although more frequent exams may be needed depending on the student’s participation in schools, athletics, and camps. Checkups are an opportunity to prepare for teen health issues, including prevention of accidents, injury, and violence, and minimizing health risks from sexual activity and high-risk behaviors such as smoking, substance abuse, and overexposure to the sun. The health care provider can explain how eating habits and activity choices protect against obesity,
diabetes, skin cancer, and even
heart disease.
The American Academy of Pediatrics includes the following in its recommended preventive services for teens:
Blood pressure, height, and weight need to be routinely checked. Vision and hearing tests are needed about every 3 years.
Vaccinations are updated as needed.
If the health care provider identifies risk factors, screening tests will be ordered. After the teen reaches sexual maturity, additional tests and exams may be appropriate due to menstruation or sexual activity (to screen for anemia and infections, for example).
For more information on preventive medicine and steps you can take to keep you and your family healthy, read Staying Healthy in an Era of Patient Responsibility.
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine. Recommendations for Preventative Pediatric Health Care (policy statement). 2000 March 1. Pediatrics. 105(3):645-646. Available on the Internet at http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;105/3/645. Accessed August 24, 2004.
American Academy of Family Physicians. Preventive services for healthy living. 2003 Mar (review/update). Available on the Internet at http://www.familydoctor.org/x1548.xml. Accessed August 25, 2004.
American Academy of Family Physicians. Summary of policy recommendations for periodic health exams. 2003 Aug 13. Available on the Internet from the national Guideline Clearinghouse at http://www.guidelines.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=4183&nbr=3208. Accessed July 19, 2004.
Green M and Palfrey JS. Bright Futures: Guideline for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents, Pocket Guide (2nd ed.). 2002. American Academy of Family Physicians. Available on the Internet at http://www.brightfutures.org/pocket/index.html. Accessed August 26, 2004.
National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents. The fourth report on the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure in children and adolescents. Pediatrics 2004 Aug;114:555-576. Available on the Internet at http://pediatrics.aappublications.org. Accessed August 26, 2004.
