Adolescent Health Concerns

Adolescents between the ages of about 10-19 years have different health concerns and needs than younger kids, particularly when they reach puberty. That is why it is important to see a pediatrician who understands key health concerns and considerations for adolescents. The board-certified providers at Pedi-Care in Shelton, CT, offer adolescent care to help young people enjoy better health and wellness.

Key Adolescent Health Concerns

Adolescents experience numerous changes as they go through puberty and inch closer to becoming young adults. Some key physical and mental health and wellness concerns faced by many adolescents include:

• Acne
• Self-esteem
• Body image
• Sports injuries
• Puberty and physical changes
• Sexual health (e.g., birth control, STDs)
• Anxiety or depression
• School-related stress
• Drug or alcohol use
• Smoking or vaping
• Peer acceptance

The experienced doctors at our pediatric office in Shelton, CT, have offered adolescent care for many years. They are skilled at communicating openly with teens and pre-teens about all types of health and wellness issues. Our providers will develop a treatment plan to address issues your adolescent might be dealing with and can provide referrals to other professionals as needed.

Adolescent Health Screenings

Various adolescent health screenings are available that help promote better health and wellness. Screenings help identify potential concerns early on so those issues can be addressed or treated promptly. Based on your adolescent’s health concerns, symptoms, and needs, screenings that could be recommended include:

• Vision and hearing
• Bloodwork or urinalysis to screen for certain diseases (e.g., anemia, diabetes)
• Obesity screening, which involves height, weight, and body mass measurements
• High cholesterol screening to check for cardiovascular issues
• Mental health screening for anxiety, depression, and other concerns
• Gynecological screenings for girls with painful, heavy, or unusual periods
• Screenings for sexually transmitted diseases
• Drug and alcohol testing

Immunizations for Adolescents

Children receive many important immunizations at a young age, but there are still a few needed during adolescence that can help ensure your teen or pre-teen remains healthy. Some of the vaccines administered during the teen years, such as Tdap, are follow-up doses to a shot they likely had at a younger age. Other vaccines are not administered until the adolescent years. Available immunizations for adolescents include:

• Tdap for tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough
• Meningitis vaccine
• HPV vaccine
• Flu vaccine
• COVID-19 vaccine
• All other vaccines an adolescent has either missed or fallen behind on doses

Adolescence is a time of numerous physical, mental, and emotional changes. We understand adolescent health concerns and considerations and are here to help. Schedule an appointment with one of our providers of adolescent care by calling Pedi-Care in Shelton, CT, at (203) 924-7334.