Adolescent Medicine
The Basics of Adolescent Medicine
The pre-teen and teen years can bring changes in physical development that adolescents and their families may not understand. Typically, during these years, adolescents will recognize significant changes in their bodies that come as a result of normal hormonal changes associated with puberty and development.
The ability to consult with our family medicine doctors who are knowledgeable about adolescent medicine, can help adolescents, parents and siblings manage these changes in a positive way during this confusing time. Teens often have issues or concerns they don't feel comfortable addressing with their families, which makes it important to provide your child with an adolescent clinic for questions and a source for accurate health-related information.
Adolescent Care Often Begins with a Physical Exam
Our team partners with families to help address any adolescent care issues that may arise, or to quickly identify the potential for any physical problems that can be prevented. Our providers may often recommend a comprehensive adolescent physical exam at the onset of puberty to get a comprehensive look at the patient's medical and emotional health.
What is Adolescent Medicine?
Adolescent medicine is the area of medicine focused on caring for pre-teens and teens during their adolescent years of development. While this age can vary for girls and boys, it can fall anywhere between the ages of 9 and 18. Adolescent clinic or a practice usually includes the treatment of a wide variety of adolescent healthcare conditions associated with the teenage years and typically encompasses physical, mental and emotional health.
Common Medical Topics Associated with Adolescent Medicine
The most common health-related issues and conditions that adolescents face include:
- Puberty
- Menstruation
- Skin Conditions such as Acne
- Social and Emotional Issues
- Adolescent Depression
- Stress and Anxiety
- Sexuality/Birth Control
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Eating Disorders
- Vaccines
- Scoliosis Screenings
Adolescent Medicine
Our providers, under the guidance and direction of parents, can address any of these issues for adolescent patients. With a family-centered approach to adolescent care, utilizing adolescent medicine can help make the transition from childhood to adulthood a healthy, safe and enjoyable time for your family. Specialized adolescent health care helps to prevent health conditions and behaviors with long-lasting implications for adolescent patients and their families.
The adolescent years present a great opportunity for parents to instill the importance of wellness and the prevention of health problems and issues before they arise with their children, providing a valuable lifelong lesson.