Medical Checkups for Adolescents

During your adolescent's yearly medical checkup, most doctors:

• Check your child's height and weight, Reference body mass index Opens New Window, blood pressure, vision, and hearing.
• Listen to your child's heart and lungs. Also, the doctor will feel the Reference lymph nodes Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window and the Reference thyroid gland Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window in the neck as well as the Reference spleen Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window, Reference liver Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window, and Reference kidneys Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window in the stomach area.
• Inspect the genitals.
  • Your son's Reference testicles Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window will be checked to feel for any unusual lumps.
  • The doctor may recommend a Reference Pap test Opens New Window or Reference pelvic exam Opens New Window for your daughter.
• Check the breasts of both males and females.
• Test joints and muscles for flexibility and strength.
• Check the spine. If any irregularities are noticed, X-rays may be done to rule out conditions such as Reference scoliosis Opens New Window.
• Look at the skin for signs of Reference acne Opens New Window, and check for abnormal Reference moles Opens New Window.
• Review and update Reference immunizations Opens New Window.

Other tests, such as blood tests, may be done at your doctor's discretion.

A doctor often will discuss health and safety concerns with your child, such as:

• Tips to add healthy foods and exercise into a daily routine.
• Reference Safe driving. Your doctor might remind your teen to always wear a seat belt, not use a cell phone while driving, and not "go along" in a car with someone who drives recklessly.
• Using common sense with modern technology. Internet chat rooms, text messaging, and other kinds of modern technology offer young people ways to communicate quickly. They may also feel anonymous. But children need to understand the dangers of giving out information to people they don't know. They also need to be reminded to think twice before sending messages to others. Communication is so fast now that things they write and send off with a "click" can have effects that they did not intend. For example, sending off a mean text message can be very hurtful. It can even be a form of Reference bullying Opens New Window.
• Sun protection. The doctor might bring up basic facts about when to wear Reference sunscreen Opens New Window and other ways to avoid sun damage.
• Lifestyle issues, such as pregnancy, prevention of Reference sexually transmitted infections Opens New Window, and the risks of experimenting with drugs and alcohol.

Most likely, this kind of information will not be new to your child. But it may "stick" more with some children when they hear it from an adult other than their parents. It usually is a good idea to give your adolescent time alone to discuss issues privately with the doctor. This gives your child an opportunity to address problems or concerns that may be difficult to share with you.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.