Teens Need Wellness Care Too

by | Aug 30, 2011 | Parenting, Wellness Tips & Information

By Donna L. Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAP

Adolescence describes the transition from childhood to adulthood.  Because this has been viewed as the healthiest period of life, many people mistakenly assume adolescents have few health care needs.  Not true! Though many teens remain healthy others develop significant health challenges like diabetes, eating disorders, depression, and hypertension. Many also develop dangerous behaviors.  Teenagers need monitoring for healthy growth and development just like infants and toddlers.

Important growth and development occurs during adolescence. In addition to the physical changes of puberty teens also experience mental, emotional, and social changes. Adolescent well child care (WCC) helps monitor youth for problems during this time of major change. It also assists in establishing habits that will facilitate a healthy lifestyle in their adult years.

Ideally, a primary care doctor trained in adolescent health provides your child’s WCC. All pediatricians are trained to take care of adolescents. Many family practitioners and internal medicine doctors also take care of teens.  Don’t assume, however, that all doctors who take care of teens have the special skills necessary to do it well.  Parents of teens know communicating with teens can be challenging. It’s the same for doctors. Look for one who’s comfortable and skilled in talking with teens.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends yearly WCC from age 11 through 21 years.  As with WCC for infants and toddlers, these visits monitor for healthy growth and development, screen for early signs of certain diseases, and educate about healthy habits.  They also screen for dangerous behaviors that are prevalent during adolescence.

Adolescence spans a large time frame but can be divided into three phases: early adolescence (11-14 years old), middle adolescence (15-17 years old), and late adolescence (18-21 years old). Certain changes are associated with each phase.  As with all stages of development, however, each child has its own unique pace and sometimes their own order of attaining milestones.

Children generally enter puberty during early adolescence.  During this time they also develop the ability for abstract thinking. This enables them to understand and question certain concepts about the world, rules, and people they previously could not comprehend. They aren’t just trying to be difficult when they challenge you!  They’re building new skills.

Middle adolescence is often a time of individuation.  Teens try to understand who they are and often begin to test parental boundaries. Again, some of that annoying behavior is perfectly natural, even healthy. Late adolescence often marks the development of adult attributes such as having a sense of purpose and creating emotionally intimate relationships. Many parents secretly report this as the time they “start to like” their teens again.

Mental and emotional development is extremely important during adolescence.  Many adolescents worry whether or not they are developing “normally.” Annual WCC visits give an opportunity for repeated reassurance that they are developing healthily.  It also assists teens in developing a healthy and realistic body image. They also receive accurate health information that helps counter misinformation circulating among their peers.

Parents also benefit from WCC.  They can receive answers and reassurance about concerns regarding their child’s development or behavior. Parents also can receive tips about effective and age appropriate communication, especially about sensitive topics like sex, drugs, and peer pressure. The doctor’s health information can also reinforce some of the things parents have been teaching at home.

Adolescence is a dynamic time for teens and their family.  Promoting wellness through routine and professional health care can help your child successfully transition from childhood to adulthood. It can also support you during this exciting time.

Be well!

Holistic Wellness Speaker Dr. Donna L. Hamilton, MD, MS supports people in becoming optimally healthy.  She passionately teaches people what being healthy really means and provides practical tools and strategies to address the five key areas affecting health.  Dr. Hamilton-a former board certified pediatrician-is Chief Wellness Officer and owner of Manifest Excellence, LLC.  She specializes in holistic wellness promotion and speaks nationally on this topic.  Dr. Hamilton teaches a comprehensive approach to health and wellness that addresses mental, emotional, social, spiritual and physical well-being. For more information visit www.ManifestExcellence.com

© 2010 Donna L. Hamilton, MD

Donna Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAP
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