Keep a Doctor in Teens’ Circle of Support
I have the good fortune to meet and care for many fascinating and energetic young people when they come to the doctor for sports or camp physicals and regular medication checks. However, the majority of teens between age 13 and 17 go on a hiatus from regular wellness visits during these years. Whereas their parents brought them in for well-child appointments and immunizations when they were younger, once puberty starts, I usually see my teen patients only if they are sick or need a required health screening.
Adults and young people alike tend to think of the teenage years as a stretch of strength and vitality, a period between the vulnerabilities of childhood and the responsibilities of adulthood. I propose that adding a pediatrician to your family’s support squad for your teenager is a good investment in their physical and emotional safety at one of the most dynamic and potentially confusing times in his or her life. Here are several ways your teen benefits from annual wellness checks with his or her pediatrician:
All conversations are completely confidential. I’d be hard-pressed to think of an “embarrassing” question that I haven’t heard before. So go ahead and ask your pediatrician about how people get pregnant event though they are careful, what to expect at your first pap smear, or why you are experiencing an unusual or unexpected change in your body or outlook as you grow to adulthood. I’d rather have you ask me, a doctor, than get an unreliable answer from the internet or a friend.
We can help improve your quality of life. Bad acne, heavy menstrual bleeding, or out-of-control foot sweat? We can offer solutions to problems that can ruin your day. Get help for these soul-crushing conditions and you’ll practically bounce right out of bed in the morning! (Ok, maybe not bounce.)
Primary care doctors (like pediatricians) can connect you to mental health help. If you are dealing with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, anger, or insecurity at home or school, tell your doctor and get connected to mental health professionals. Often times, we administer a screening test to help determine the type of help you need. At the same time, we can order tests that can tell us if you have an underlying medical problem, like anemia or a thyroid dysfunction, two very treatable conditions that can lead to mood and energy changes.
Prevent problems. No one loves the idea of getting shots, but immunizations help prevent diseases like influenza, whooping cough (pertussis), and meningitis, three serious concerns for teens and those headed off to college. Older teens also require a series of booster shots of their childhood vaccinations. The HPV shot is recommended for young people who are or will soon be sexually active because it prevents the transmission of the human papillomavirus, the most common sexually transmitted infection. If you plan to study or volunteer abroad, we can help you complete your required immunizations for international travel, too.
Learn how to take good care of yourself. When you schedule a wellness appointment, it’s marked off on our clinic schedule as a longer time to talk. I like to ask about what you eat, how much you sleep, and the amount of water you drink each day. Do you drink alcohol or vape, and how much? I might ask about your grades and if you feel over-scheduled with classes, sports, work, and volunteer duties. And what is the role of social media for you? Does it stress you out or strengthen your connections with friends? Hopefully, you can ask all your questions and I’ll share a few ideas to help you—and remember, our conversations are always confidential!
Get in the groove. Develop a relationship with your pediatrician so when you graduate and go on to the next stage of your life, you know more about who you are and how you can best care for your mind and body. We will maintain your electronic medical records for easy access by your college clinic or future primary care provider, too.
Are you looking for a doctor who can help your teen embrace life in a smart and healthy way? Chastity Henry, MD, is a pediatrician with ThedaCare Physicians-Darboy. Call her office directly at 920.358.1910 to schedule an appointment or call ThedaCare On Call at 920.830.6877 or click on “Find a Doctor.”
