ADOLESCENCE: 15 - 17 Year Visits

Getting Ready for this Visit

Help your teen be a partner in her health.Encourage your teen to write down health questions. Note anything new, like how he handles stress, a different set of friends, or changes at school. He may speak with the health care provider alone. Talk about physical and emotional changes. Discuss finding an adult provider.

Children with special needs: If your youth receives special education services, bring a copy of the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) and health or transition plans. Discuss recent visits with specialists, procedures, or medication changes. Review support services you use or may need.

At this age, your child may:

• Show self-confidence
• Engage in health and wellness activities
• Develop caring relationships with family, friends, and other adults
• Take part in community life
• Cope with stress in constructive ways
• Take increasing responsibility
• Make his own decisions
• Show interest in managing health issues
• Plan for life after high school

What's Important for this Visit

YOUR questions and concerns are the #1 priority! Your health care provider may also discuss:

• Physical Growth/Development: Your teen's physical and oral health; body image; healthy eating and physical activity

• Social/Academic Skills: Family, friends, community relationships; school

• Emotional Well-Being: Moods and concerns about mental health; how your teen copes with stress, feels about his changing body, and sexuality

• Risky Behaviors: Smoking, drug, alcohol use; sexual activity, sexually transmitted infections, and birth control; any concerns about risky behaviors

• Safety: Use of safety helmets, mouth guards, seatbelts and other driving habits; any concerns about violence, bullying, or dating violence

The 15 - 17 Year Visits: What To Expect

Your health care provider will do a physical exam, covering your teen with a drape for privacy and check height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and blood pressure; observe skin for acne, tattoos, piercings. May examine genitals, and breast development. Carry out screening tests: vision, others as indicated.

• Immunizations: See chart for any needed at this age.