Growth and Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years-Routine Checkups
Growth and Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years-Routine Checkups
It's important for your teen to continue to have routine checkups. These checkups allow the doctor to detect problems and to make sure your teen is growing and developing as expected. The doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about your teen's social, academic, relationship, and mental health status. Your teen's immunization record will be reviewed, and needed immunizations should be given at this time. For more information on immunizations, see:
Teens also need to have regular dental checkups and need to be encouraged to brush and floss regularly. For more information about dental checkups, see the topic Basic Dental Care.
Swallowing Gum
Q: My 7-year-old son likes to swallow his bubblegum. I’ve heard thatit will stay in his stomach forever. True? A: This old wives’ tale is very popular on the playground, but it’sdefinitely FALSE."It is true that most of the components of bubblegum are not found innature," says Robynne Chutkan, MD, a gastroenterologist and assistant professorof medicine at Georgetown University. "And as such we don’t have the enzymes tobreak them down. But eventually gum does get through the intestine...
Read the Swallowing Gum article > >
Starting in the teen years, most doctors like to spend some time alone with your child during the visit. Although many state laws are vague about teens' rights to medical confidentiality, most doctors will clarify expectations. Ideally, you will all agree that anything your teen discusses privately with the doctor will remain confidential, with few exceptions. This gives your teen an opportunity talk to the doctor about any issue he or she may not feel comfortable sharing with you.
Teens also need to have regular dental checkups and need to be encouraged to brush and floss regularly. For more information about dental checkups, see the topic Basic Dental Care.
Recommended Related to Children
Swallowing Gum
Q: My 7-year-old son likes to swallow his bubblegum. I’ve heard thatit will stay in his stomach forever. True? A: This old wives’ tale is very popular on the playground, but it’sdefinitely FALSE."It is true that most of the components of bubblegum are not found innature," says Robynne Chutkan, MD, a gastroenterologist and assistant professorof medicine at Georgetown University. "And as such we don’t have the enzymes tobreak them down. But eventually gum does get through the intestine...
Read the Swallowing Gum article > >
Starting in the teen years, most doctors like to spend some time alone with your child during the visit. Although many state laws are vague about teens' rights to medical confidentiality, most doctors will clarify expectations. Ideally, you will all agree that anything your teen discusses privately with the doctor will remain confidential, with few exceptions. This gives your teen an opportunity talk to the doctor about any issue he or she may not feel comfortable sharing with you.
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