Keep Your Teen Healthy

Adolescents or teens (ages 13-18) are often very healthy. That may be one reason this age group is less likely to have well care visits with their primary care provider (PCP).

September 28, 2021  

But you’ll want to make sure your teen has well care visits, even during the pandemic. The teen years are a time of great change. It’s also the time when kids may try risky behaviors or start unhealthy habits (such as smoking, poor food choices and lack of exercise) that may affect their health now and later in life.

Your child’s PCP can help your child stay healthy. During a yearly well care visit, the PCP will:

 
  • Assess your child’s physical and emotional health
  • Screen for health issues
  • Check your teen’s growth and development
  • Provide counseling, referrals and treatment as needed
  • Talk with you and your teen about the value of a healthy lifestyle
  • Talk with your child about risky behaviors
  • Help your teen learn how to use the health care system

The PCP can also make sure your teen’s shots are up to date before your child heads back to school.