Teenage is a period of change. Marked by hormonal changes, the period caters to several physical and mental changes in a teen. They go through a lot in these phases. Thus, a wellness checkup is a necessary part of their well-being.

Why Wellness Check-Ups Are Important for Teens

How frequently should a teen go for a wellness checkup? Doctors recommend that a teenager must visit every 1-2 years at ages 12 - 18.

The need :

• A wellness checkup ensures that the teen is healthy inside out.
• Helps detect and prevent potential health problems
• They can now seek guidance for physical, emotional, and sexual health issues
• This instills a sense of responsibility for his/her health.
• The information that the teens seek during these checkups is tailored around specific needs.

Top Questions to Ask Your Teen's Doctor During a Check-Up

While a wellness checkup for the teen encompasses the physical examination and screening tests to ensure physical well-being, parents must take care of specific information necessary for the well-being of their kids.

Tips for Preparing Your Teen for a Wellness Check-Up

Conversations surrounding puberty: parents must be well-equipped to educate their teens on puberty. They can inquire about the ways of doing so. This could help the teens with self-acceptance. Try to know if it's the right time to get the teen tested for sexually transmitted disease. You can report about the school's performance, especially if it is going down. Having discussions about child behaviour at home could enrich you with the knowledge to handle them efficiently. Get insights on handling risky behaviour. Know more about substance abuse and ways of preventing it in teens. Discussions on a healthy diet as per the physical test are a must. Have discussions on sexual health. This will help you guide your teen.

All in all, parents must discuss all the aspects of behavioural changes with the doctor openly. This could enhance the development process.