Health Screenings &Check-ups

9.PCH.1.3 Explain the procedures for health screenings, checkups, and other early detection measures in terms of their health-related benefits

Taking charge of your own health

When you were a little kid, your parents took care of things like scheduling your doctors' appointments, getting your prescriptions, and making sure you took your medicine.

But now that you're getting older, you may want — or be expected — to take on more responsibility for your health.

It's all part of becoming an adult and taking charge.

In your journals:

Take 5 minutes to think and write Make a list of ways you can take charge of

your own health

As you get older…

The issues you face can get more complicated and personal. Sexual development Emotions Weight problems.

It's important to find someone to talk to who is both knowledgeable and someone you can trust

So who can I talk to?

Some teens, even if they have a fairly open relationship with their parents, just aren't comfortable talking about certain topics.

Of course, you can always ask a friend — or go to the Internet.

Sometimes, those places can be a good start. But friends might not really know the answers

you're looking for — and not every website is accurate or up to date.

Talk with your doctor

That's where your doctor or nurse can help out. Doctors and nurses are trained to help you

with your health and emotional concerns. You can talk with them, they can ask you

questions, and they can check out what worries you.

That's their job.

How do I discuss embarrassing things?

It's perfectly normal to feel nervous when talking with your doctor about things like sex, drugs, eating problems, weight concerns, depression, suicidal thoughts, and even body odor.

You should be able to talk to your doctor about everything, but we all know that’s easier said than done.

Being examined and questioned about your body can be intimidating, especially when the doctor needs to examine you in places you have always considered private.

Things to keep in mind

Your doctor has seen it before. Your doctor is there to help, not judge or

punish. It's your job to talk openly about your

symptoms and concerns.

Do my parents have to be involved?

Some teens may feel comfortable talking to their parents, while others prefer to keep certain aspects of their health private.

Parents need to stay involved in certain aspects of their child’s medical care until that person turns 18.

It can help to find a "middle ground" that allows you to meet your privacy concerns and your parents' needs.

Ideas on approaching your parents:

Express your interest in taking an active role in your medical care.

Balance your needs with your parents' needs Ask a parent to help you find a new doctor if

you need one.

A closer look at health exams

Regular health exams and tests can help find problems before they start.

They also can help find problems early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better.

Visit your doctor at least once a year!

At least three of these visits should include a complete physical examination: one performed during early adolescence (ages 11 to

14) one during middle adolescence (ages 15 to 17) one during late adolescence (ages 18 to 21)

If you have a chronic medical condition (asthma, diabetes) or if you notice certain signs or symptoms, you should visit your doctor more often

What to expect Medical care should include screenings for:

High blood pressure Eating disorders Obesity Hyperlipidemia

An excess of cholesterol and/or other fats in the blood

Your doctor will also check:

Your teeth for tooth decay, abnormal tooth development,

abnormal bite, and other problems. You should also continue to have regular

checkups with your dentist! Vision and hearing will be checked You will also be checked for scoliosis

Curvature of the spine

At the doctor’s

As you go through puberty, issues of sexual health will be addressed.

Your doctor should teach you how to perform self-exams. Breast Self-Exam Testicular Cancer Screenings