All My Children

All adolescents go through physical and emotional changes which affect relationships within the family. They can be up one day and down the next. They can be difficult, argumentative and moody, or delightful, helpful and friendly all in the space of the same week.

Adolescents tend to look at life through a magnifying glass. The singer is not just a singer, but a ‘pop idol’, clothing is often extreme, friendships are intense. Those whom they don’t like may be seen as enemies. Feelings within the family are also magnified. Past jealousies and resentments may now be expressed ‘times ten’ and parents of twins can experience considerable guilt at what they appear to have done to their adolescent children. The more they try to placate them, the worse it seems to get. Continue Reading »

Needless to say, no adolescent (or any older woman) is excited about having a pelvic exam, especially if there is discomfort in this area to start with. It is important that whoever does the exam explain step-by-step what is going to happen and then talk her through it while it is being done. She should be reassured that it is normal to feel nervous and awkward and that while the exam is not particularly comfortable, it shouldn’t be extremely painful either. Both patient and parent should understand that a pelvic exam does not terminate a girl’s virginity. Sexual morality is not violated by a medical procedure whose purpose is to help assess, diagnose, and treat a physical problem. Continue Reading »

During the next few years, your teenager will probably need medical input on a number of occasions. Screening exams for sports, camp, and general health assessment will need to be done. Injuries arising from sports or other vigorous activities may need attention. Problems related to menstruation may require medical evaluation and intervention. In addition, a variety of symptoms and emotional concerns may arise during these years.

Adolescent health-care guidelines recommend yearly visits to the doctor for assessment, screening, and guidance, even if there have been evaluations during the year for other medical problems. Quick exams for camp or sports, especially those done assembly-line style on large groups of adolescents, should not substitute for more comprehensive physicals by your regular health-care provider. Continue Reading »