Your pediatrician for teens in San Diego, CA, can help your teen stay healthy
If you have a teenager, you could be wondering how often your teen should visit the doctor. The truth is your teen should visit the doctor at least once each year for a routine physical. Your pediatrician can tell you more. The pediatricians at Children’s Healthcare Medical Associates in San Diego, CA, provide a wide range of pediatric medicine services, including medical care for teens.
Your teen should visit the doctor for a school physical each year and a sports physical if your teen wants to play a sport. Regular physical examinations can help prevent medical problems before they start.
When your teen visits the pediatrician once each year, it also helps ensure your teen stays current on immunizations. Immunizations can protect your teen, other members of your household, and you, from acquiring an infectious, serious illness or disease.
The teen years can be tough, especially with the onset of puberty and fluctuating hormone levels. One of the most common issues among teens is acne, brought on by changes in hormone levels, bacteria, and excess oil clogging pores. Your pediatrician can treat acne with a variety of treatment options, including:
- Laser therapy, to kill underlying bacteria
- Benzoyl peroxide medications, to unblock pores
- Tretinoin, for severe acne
Increasing hormones will also cause changes in your teen’s sexuality. Your teen may want to engage in sex, so your pediatrician can help ensure your teen is protected against:
- Unwanted pregnancy
- Sexually transmitted infections
In addition to regular visits to the pediatrician, your teen can also benefit from:
- Care for an acute illness like the flu or a cold
- Care for a chronic disease like asthma
- Counseling for behavioral issues like ADHD
- Counseling for mood disorders like depression and anxiety
To find out more about how often your teen should visit a doctor, and how your pediatrician can help your teen stay healthy, talk with the experts. Call the pediatricians at Children’s Healthcare Medical Associates in San Diego, CA. You can reach them in the office by calling (619) 297-5437, so call now.