Being a teenager is a difficult time for them, as their bodies and behaviour develop towards adulthood. For parents it can be difficult to advise their own children on health and lifestyle matters, as often teenagers do not welcome advice from them. So, what can we do?
Encourage them to take charge of their own healthcare by scheduling their own doctors’ appointments.
Important topics that can be covered at the consultation, besides the physical check-up are:
- The benefits of exercise for current and future health, so important.
- Nutritional advice.
- Ensure important vaccinations are up to date.
- A sports assessment for those that compete and train at elite levels, so that the risk of predisposing injury and underlying conditions can be determined.
- It is an opportunity for them to ask questions that they might not feel comfortable discussing with parents.
Dr Allen Busch, GP, Dubai Physiotherapy and Family Medicine Clinic.