Adolescent Checkups in Cincinnati & Hyde Park, OH
What Is an Adolescent?
According to the World Health Organization, an adolescent is classified as being between the ages of 10 and 19.
Growing From a Child Into an Adolescent
Growing from a child into an adolescent involves more than just getting taller or gaining weight and muscle mass. When your child becomes a teenager, muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments will grow and lengthen. Your child is becoming an adult.
Adolescence also signals an increase in hormone production, known as puberty. Increasing hormone production causes the growth of body hair in boys, and breast development and menstruation in girls.
Behavioral issues and mood swings are also common during adolescence. Peer pressure and socialization also come into play and can bring on engaging in risky behaviors like smoking, drug, and alcohol use.
What To Expect During an Adolescent Checkup
When your adolescent has a checkup, the pediatrician will:
- Perform a comprehensive physical examination, checking for any signs or symptoms of illness or medical condition
- Order any necessary laboratory testing to screen for medical conditions and assess overall health
- Order any necessary imaging studies, to check for problems with bones, muscles, nerves, and organs
- Discuss behavioral and mental health issues with your adolescent
When To Bring Your Adolescent To Visit the Pediatrician
Adolescent checkups should occur at least once each year, and more frequently if your adolescent wants to play a sport. You may also need to bring your adolescent to visit the pediatrician if your adolescent is:
- Experiencing an acute illness
- Withdrawing from social situations
- Forgetting things and not completing tasks
- Doing poorly in school due to inattention
- Engaging in smoking, drinking, or substance abuse
- Has thoughts of self-harm or harming others
