For parents with young children, Cumming preschool and school-aged pediatric well visits are regular fixtures on the calendar. However, as your child reaches their teenage years, there’s a tendency for these visits to become less frequent. And while you may think checkups are less important for older children, here are some reasons for not skipping your teenager’s annual well visit.
The Importance of Well-Child Visits for Teenagers
Focused on existing issues as well as measures to prevent problems in the future, the well-child checkup is an essential element of quality healthcare. Appointments with your pediatrician allow them to address a teenager’s physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Tracking Teenage Growth and Development
The teenage years are marked by significant growth, so tracking these developmental milestones is a key aspect of the pediatrician’s role. During a checkup, your child is assessed for physical growth, emotional maturity and cognitive development.
Healthcare Tailored to the Needs of Teenage Boys and Girls
The goal is to address the health needs of children as they grow towards adulthood. While sharing similarities, well-child visits for teenage boys and girls differ in certain areas. A boy’s visit includes checks related to male puberty, discussions about testicular changes, self-examination and so on. For adolescent girls, a checkup emphasizes menstrual health, managing periods and the menstrual cycle.
Preventive Treatments in Teen Health
With ongoing well-child visits, it is possible to identify potential issues in their earliest stages. Health issues such as obesity, developmental concerns and anxiety can benefit from early intervention, well before they evolve into more serious conditions. Also, make sure to read what to expect at a pre-teen well-child visit at ages 10–13 for more details.
Immunizations and Ongoing Healthcare for Teens
Keeping your teenager on track with their vaccinations is vital for maintaining long-term health. During these years, your child may require a flu vaccine, meningococcal vaccine and other boosters.
Evaluating Teenagers’ Mental Health
Positive mental and physical health go hand-in-hand, and this is particularly true during the complicated teenage years. The strong relationship forged with a pediatrician during visits makes these checkups an excellent opportunity to discuss anxiety and depression.
Advising Teens on Healthy Living Choices
As teenagers seek more independence, they typically take on more of a direct role in many aspects of their lives. With the right guidance, teenagers can forge good habits that positively impact long-term health. Pediatricians can assist with this process, advising on factors like exercise, nutrition and sleep.
The Role of Parents in Teen Health Checkups
Parents and their teenagers often face challenges as the child seeks greater independence. During a teen well check at age 14–16, parents and teens can set appropriate boundaries and learn techniques for conflict resolution.
Contact Us for Pediatric Well-Child Visits in Cumming
At Vickery Pediatrics, we offer well-child and sick care visits at our friendly, comfortable pediatrician’s office. Our team welcomes families from Cumming, Buford, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Sugar Hill, Suwanee and Forsyth County. Call (678) 990-2501 or request an appointment today.
