The Most Important Teen Health Issues Parents Need to Know About

Teenagers may think they’re invincible but it’s still important for them to have regular, well-child checkups. These visits can help catch health problems early, and they’re an important opportunity to help address sensitive issues that are unique to teens.

Here are some important aspects of teen checkups:

• Depression and mental health screenings
• Hearing and vision checks
• Dental check
• Acne and skin care discussion
• Vaccines, including human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
• Body mass index (BMI) check
• Nutrition and exercise counseling
• Body safety discussions (safe driving, gun safety, abuse awareness, etc.)
• Sexually transmitted infections education and screening
• Substance abuse counseling

Preventing Substance Abuse

There’s a substance abuse threat that’s exploding in popularity among middle and high school students. Vaping has been around since 2015 when the JUUL brand of e-cigarettes was introduced.

These products look like a USB flash drive. Inside is a cartridge with liquid that comes in various fruit and dessert-inspired flavors – a big part of their appeal. Each cartridge holds about the same amount of nicotine you’d find in a pack of cigarettes.

A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that use of e-cigarettes makes youth more likely to say they planned to smoke cigarettes in the future. E-cigarette use has also been associated with future marijuana use.

As professionals with whom children have a trusting, lasting relationship, pediatricians play a critical role in preventing substance abuse and helping teens navigate risky behaviors.

Looking for a pediatrician for your teen? Visit UHRainbow.org/Pediatrics to find one.