The teenage years can be challenging for everyone. With all the confusing changes, both physical and emotional, an adolescent health screening can provide peace of mind for teenagers and their parents.
IMC are now offering adolescent health screenings that focus on the unique needs of this group. The purpose of an adolescent health screening is to uncover areas of concern and to detect problems with the intent of early intervention. Dr Shivani Paliwal says “It is a time when the body is rapidly changing which can present unique health issues. It is crucial for adolescents to have a health screening to assess where they are in their development and to identify any areas of concern.”
The onset of puberty brings on physical and mental changes which make adolescents emotionally labile. This is not just confusing for parents, teenagers struggle with peer pressure, self awareness and media use, our young adults are more prone to stressors. A health check provides valuable insight on how they are dealing with these pressures and can identify areas in which they may need extra support.
Young adults also have a significantly higher morbidity rate. Much of this is related to personal behavior and can be managed effectively. A health screening is a good time to check those behaviours and intervene. It is also a great time to talk about healthy lifestyle habits.
We know that gaining the confidence of young people is hard. A cursory chat between a teenager and a health professional is unlikely to create a trustworthy bond and it may serve to alienate the teenager or discourage them from future visits. Our health screenings, are in fact designed to initiate a meaningful dialogue and relationship. A focused and thorough discussion helps to build a relationship of trust between Doctor and teenager.
IMC will offer two new health screening services to our early and late adolescent patients.
Early adolescent health screenings (10-16 years) will include evaluations of:
- Medical history and vaccinations
- Puberty and body changes
- Home environment
- Education and school academics
- Social life, media use and coping mechanisms
- Physical activity and fitness
- Nutrition and obesity
- Clinical measurements and vision screen
- General Examination
- Cardiovascular and respiratory exam
- Abdominal and musculoskeletal exam
- Genital exam
- Blood screening tests if needed
Late adolescent health screen (16 years and above) will include evaluations of:
- Medical history and vaccinations
- Puberty and body changes
- Home environment
- Education and school academics
- Physical activity and fitness
- Nutrition and obesity
- Sexuality
- Drugs, alcohol and substance abuse
- Mental health wellness
- Clinical measurements and vision screen
- General Examination
- Cardiovascular and respiratory exam
- Abdominal and Musculoskeletal exam
- Genital exam
- Blood screening tests if needed
For costs and more information click here
Dr Shivani Paliwal is a US Paediatric trained Doctor based at IMC Children’s. Please call 68874440 to make an appointment with Dr Shivani.
