Teen Center
The teenage patient is unique and requires special teen annual well visits, sports physicals, acne and eczema management, asthma management, and ADHD/ADD assessment, diagnosis and treatment management. Our teenage patients are interested in talking about dating, social media, texting, peer pressure, drinking and driving, depression and many other topics unique to their age group.
The information our teenage patients share with us is often sensitive, and can seem even embarrassing at the time. We are prepared to talk about topics like “Teenage Confidentiality” and the teenagers’ right to privacy as well as emancipation and personal responsibility.
We encourage teens to be honest with us. It helps ensure that health concerns and questions are shared. Occasionally, we may discuss sensitive issues such as sexuality and drugs and, for the most part, we agree to keep these conversations private. We expect teens to ask questions that will ultimately keep them healthy and safe.
Drug Abuse
Get the latest facts on how drugs affect the brain and body. Visit:
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/
Drinking and Driving
Did you know car crashes are the leading cause of death for Americans 15-20 years old? Get smart and learn how to say “no” to drinking and driving. Get started by visiting the SADD website:
http://www.sadd.org
Body Image
Are your friends constantly talking about “being fat”? Are you confused about what is healthy eating or what is a healthy weight for you? It’s no surprise!! There is a lot of confusing information out there! Talk to us if you are worried. A great place to start reading is this handout from the National Eating Disorder Association just for teens:
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
Bullying
Did you know almost half of the respondents in a recent survey of public and private high school students said they had been the victims of bullying? If you would like to read more go to:
https://www.stopbullying.gov
Depression
Did you know that suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death 11-18 year olds? In addition, 8% of all students age 12-17 years old have had at least one episode of what doctors consider a “major depressive episode” in the past year. If you feel sad a lot or have had thoughts about hurting yourself you could be depressed.
For more information go to:
https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/depression.html
If you are in crisis talk to a safe adult right away or: Call 1-800-273-TALK
Or go to http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Sexual Identity
Many teens know that they are lesbian, gay, or bisexual. You may be bullied during your teen years. And it may be hard to picture life as an openly gay adult. Many teens feel anxious about talking with their parents about these topics. If you missed it on Glee and you want to read more you can go to:
http://www.itgetsbetter.org
HPV Vaccine
Many of our teens ask specifically about vaccination for HPV, the Human Papilloma Virus. This is the infection that causes cervical cancer in adult women but we now know it can cause other types of cancer and it can cause cancers in men too.
To read more about HPV you can go to:
https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/index.html