Well-Child Visit at 17: As parents, let's take care of this!

Your child is turning 17, which is a very important time for them to take steps towards becoming a young adult. They are going through a lot of changes both physically and mentally during this time, aren't they? So, a medical check-up at this age, called a ``Well-Child Visit,'' is very important. Let's see what usually happens during this time, and what we as parents should be especially careful about?

What happens during this medical examination?

Here's what usually happens when you go to see the doctor with your child:

1. First, your child's weight and height are measured accurately. Then, they use those measurements to calculate their body mass index, or ``BMI'' . All of this is recorded on their ``Growth Chart.'' Think of it like a story about a child's growth. The doctor can use this to see if the child's growth is appropriate for their age and healthy.

2. Next, the child's blood pressure is measured. Sometimes, hearing may also be tested.

3. Then comes the most important part. The doctor will ask you and your child questions, talk about your problems, and give you valuable advice. The main things they will talk about are:

Child's eating, sleeping, and exercising

• Food and drink: It is very important to know what a child's diet is at this age. The doctor will definitely talk about this. In general, you should eat three main meals a day. It is best if these meals contain lean protein (for example, fish, chicken), whole grains (such as oatmeal, brown rice), at least five servings of fruits and vegetables , and at least three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products or fortified soy milk.

• Sleep: Oh, sleep is essential for these young children. They usually need between 8 and 10 hours of sleep a day. However, in this busy time, it is also common to not get enough sleep. This can affect schoolwork and sports activities. In fact, at this age, their bodies are changing and they are focused on staying awake until late at night. But it is difficult to get enough sleep because of school in the morning, right? Therefore, introduce some relaxing bedtime routines to your child before going to bed at night. You should remind them to turn off electronic devices like phones, computers, and tablets at least an hour before going to bed .

• Physical activity: It's important to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. Encourage your child to keep screen time — that is, time spent with TV, video games, and smartphones — to a minimum. Instead, focus on healthy activities like spending time with others, getting exercise, and getting enough sleep. It's also important to set a good example by limiting your own screen time and exercising daily.

Child growth and development – ​​these are normal things!

By the age of 17, it's normal for children to experience these physical and mental development symptoms. Don't worry about them, they're just part of development:

• If it's a girl , she should have had her first period by now. If your daughter hasn't yet, talk to your doctor about it. There's nothing wrong with that.
• In the case of a boy , the signs of puberty – such as the enlargement of the testicles, the lengthening of the penis, and the growth of pubic hair – are clearly visible during this period.
• They are heavily influenced by their peer group . That's the nature of this age.
• They experiment with different identities to find out who they are, what kind of place suits them, and what their interests are.
• Sexual feelings are emerging. This includes an interest in romantic relationships, exploring one's sexuality, and becoming aware of one's sexual orientation and gender identity. It is important to talk about these things openly and understandingly with your child.
• They are starting to think deeply about complex things and how to make decisions. However, they may still have a tendency to act impulsively and not think much about the consequences of their actions. So we need to guide them.
• They may also be tempted to engage in some risky behaviors . This is when they need our attention and guidance the most.

4. Physical Exam:

Next, the doctor will examine the child. This will include checking the child's skin , listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope, checking for any curvature of the spine (such as scoliosis), and checking for any signs of puberty . It is best to have a parent or guardian (chaperone) with the child during this examination. It is also comforting for the child.

5. Updating Vaccines:

Vaccines protect not only children, but the entire community from serious diseases. Therefore, it is very important to give your child the correct doses of vaccines at the correct time . However, vaccination schedules may vary slightly from one doctor's office to another. So, talk to your doctor to find out exactly what to give next and what to expect.

6. Tests if needed:

The doctor may order blood tests or other appropriate tests to check for things like anemia, high cholesterol, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Keep these things in mind until your child's next well-being checkup (at age 18).

Okay, now let's see what else we need to keep in mind after seeing the doctor and until our child's next checkup.

School and future plans

• Encourage your child to participate in various extracurricular activities . That is, things they like, such as music, art, sports, and after-school clubs. These will help develop their personality.
• Encourage your child to take responsibility for their schoolwork. Praise them for what they do well, help them when they're struggling, but let them do it themselves.
• Talk about future higher education or career plans . Discuss what their dreams are and what they need to do to get there.
• If your child is having trouble at school – perhaps poor grades or a reluctance to go to school – consider whether the cause is bullying , a mental health issue such as depression, or learning or attention problems. Seek professional help if necessary.

Your relationship and guidance with the child

• Spend some time talking to your child every day, spending time together . Eat a meal together, do a little exercise together, talk about things that are important to your child, about their friends, and about what's on their mind.
• Praise the good decisions he makes. Involve your child in small family decisions. This will make them feel responsible.
• Set house rules, make your expectations clear , and give fair, previously agreed-upon consequences if rules are broken.
• Encourage your child to be responsible when they are old enough to engage in sexual activity with others. Explain the risks of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancies. Talk openly about birth control methods and the importance of condom use . Although these are things that are not talked about in our society, this knowledge is essential for the safety of children.
• Remind your child to brush their teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and see a dentist every 6 months .
• Explain to your child the serious dangers of smoking, vaping, alcohol, and other drugs . Also talk about the dangers of prescription drug misuse. Praise your child for saying "no" to these things.
• Be on the lookout for signs of depression . These may include frequent irritability, a feeling of hopelessness, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, a sudden drop in school grades, and talk of suicide. If you notice any of these, seek medical advice immediately.
• Encourage your child to take responsibility for making appointments with doctors, refilling medications, and taking care of their own health problems (e.g., asthma, diabetes).

How to ensure the safety of the child?

• Children should always wear seatbelts when riding in a vehicle. Make it a habit.
• When your child starts driving , set limits on the number of passengers they can carry at one time and the times they can drive (especially at night). Strictly tell your child not to text or use their phone while driving.
• Talk about the deadly dangers of drunk driving . Also, tell your child to never get in a car with someone who has been drinking or using drugs. Instead, tell your child to always call you if they need help or have a problem .
• Children should apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours. They should not use tanning beds , as they increase the risk of skin cancer.
• Make sure your child knows and is aware of online safety, cyberbullying, and how to use social media wisely .
• If you have dangerous items like firearms at home, keep them locked up very securely , out of reach of children. Keep things like ammunition separate and safe. Keep keys out of reach of children.
• If you have any concerns about your living situation – whether you have enough food, a safe place to live, health insurance, etc. – talk to your doctor. Your doctor can refer you to community resources or refer you to a suitable social worker.

Finally, remember this...

Turning 17 is a very important and complicated milestone in a child's life. They are going through a lot of changes physically, mentally, and socially. They can be a little confused by it all. As parents, your love, support, and guidance are invaluable to them during this time.

Talk openly with your child, listen carefully to what he or she says, and try to understand him or her. Before judging your child, try to think from his or her perspective.

Above all, it is important to have a strong, trusting bond with your child. Let them know that you are there for them no matter what the problem is. These medical tests are just one important step in that journey. If you have any problems, doubts, or concerns, never be afraid or hesitant to talk to your doctor.

` Youth health, medical examination, 17 years, parental advice, youth development, mental health, adolescence