18 years is a very important milestone in life, isn't it? It's the last half of school life, and perhaps a time when the foundation for higher education or a job is laid. So at this age, we need to be especially concerned about the physical and mental health of the child. That's why the medical examination (Well-Child Visit) at 18 years is very important. Let's see what happens during this, and what we need to know?
What happens during this doctor's appointment?
During this visit, the doctor or nurse who examines your child will likely do the following:
1. Your child's weight and height are measured, the body mass index (BMI) is calculated, and the readings are plotted on a growth chart. This helps you to see if your child is growing properly.
2. Blood pressure will be checked. A hearing test may also be done.
3. A screening test will be done to see if there are any symptoms of depression . It is very important to take care of mental health at this age. Because, although it is normal to feel a little pressure with exams and future plans, it is important to see if it progresses to depression.
4. Then, the doctor will ask you and your child questions, talk about the problems you are having, and give you advice on the following:
Let's Talk About Food!
A young child this age should eat three main meals a day. These meals should include lean protein (such as fish, chicken, eggs, peas, and beans), at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, whole grains (such as brown rice, brown rice, oats, and barley), and 3 servings of dairy (or something like soy milk with added calcium). Fast food that is high in fat, salt, sugar, and sugary drinks should be limited as much as possible. A nutritious diet is a good foundation for a healthy life.
How's the Sleep?
A young child at this age needs about 7-9 hours of good sleep a day. Not getting enough sleep can make it difficult for your child to concentrate and can interfere with schoolwork or work. Sleeping through the night to study for exams is not good for the long term. A relaxing bedtime routine – like reading a book – and putting away electronic devices like smartphones and computers at least an hour before bed can help you sleep better.
Making Time for Exercise
Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity (such as brisk walking or cycling) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (such as running, swimming, or playing sports) a week. Being active is good for both your physical and mental health. It's also a good idea to play a sport with friends.
Growth and Development at 18
By the age of 18, it is common for a young person to exhibit symptoms such as:
- They develop a sense of self and value. They build their identity.
- Deep individual relationships are valued more than peer groups.
- They are gradually becoming more independent from their parents and trying to make their own decisions.
- You begin to think abstractly to solve problems, which means you are able to understand invisible things and complex ideas.
- Making long-term plans for the future. Thinking about things like higher education and employment.
5. Physical Exam
The doctor will then examine the baby. They will look at the skin, listen to the heart and lungs. If it is a young girl, they may refer you to a gynecologist if necessary. If it is a boy, the doctor will examine the testicles to check for lumps, hernias, or varicoceles . The doctor will make sure to tell the baby about these tests in advance and to do them in a way that will not make him uncomfortable.
6. Vaccines Update
Vaccines are updated. Getting vaccinated is very important to protect against serious diseases. Therefore, it is important to get them on time. Vaccine schedules may vary slightly at different medical centers, so talk to your doctor and find out about it.
7. Blood tests if necessary
If necessary, the doctor may order further tests. For example, blood tests or other appropriate tests may be done to check for conditions such as anemia, high cholesterol, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) .
Should we take care of these things until the next checkup?
Okay, now let's look at what we need to do and what things to keep in mind for the health and safety of your young child until the next medical checkup (probably at age 19).
How to take care of yourself? (Focusing on Self-Care and Personal Growth)
Encourage and support your young child to do these things:
- Make plans for the future. This could include higher education or a job. Think about what you want to do in the future, what kind of field you want to pursue. Talk to your child about it.
- Continue to pursue your passions and interests. It could be art, music, sports, or community service programs. These will bring you joy, relaxation, and help you develop new skills.
- Just like with schoolwork, if you have a job, be responsible about it. Doing your work properly and on time will create good habits for the future.
- When you feel overwhelmed and need help, ask for help from family, a health professional, or another trusted adult. It's not a weakness, it's a strength. You don't have to deal with problems alone.
- Learn healthy ways to deal with stress. This can be done by exercising, meditating, listening to music, or talking to friends and family. This is especially important these days, with exams, new jobs, and the pressure of the future.
- Be aware of the symptoms of depression. These include feeling irritable, feeling sad, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or not sleeping at all), changes in appetite, poor academic performance, feeling low about yourself, and thoughts of being hopeless about life. If necessary, seek professional help. Talk to your doctor about it.
- If you haven't already, switch to a doctor who specializes in adults. Your child is now an older child, so their healthcare needs may change.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste , and floss between your teeth. See a dentist twice a year for a check-up.
Don't forget about safety! (Safety First - Always!)
Explain to your young child that they should also be concerned about these things:
- Always wear your seat belt when riding in a vehicle. It's for your own safety.
- Avoid using your phone or texting while driving. Even a moment of distraction can lead to a serious accident.
- If you are sexually active, use birth control and condoms correctly to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) . You and your child should be able to talk openly about this.
- Leave any relationship that is abusive, disrespectful, or sexually coercive. Your own happiness and safety are most important. If you are in a relationship, encourage them to talk about it with someone they trust.
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 (Sun Protection Factor 30) or higher at least 15 minutes before going outside. It is important to protect your skin because the sun is harsh in our country. Reapply every two hours, especially if you are sweating or in the water.
- Do not use tanning beds. They increase the risk of skin cancer.
- Stop smoking, vaping, drinking alcohol, and using drugs completely. These can cause great harm to the body and mind. Also, do not use medications that were not prescribed for you or those taken by others.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol. Also, never get in a vehicle driven by someone who has been drinking or using drugs. Instead, make arrangements in advance with a trusted driver (designated driver) , or use another safe method of getting home (such as a taxi).
It is always best not to keep firearms in the home. If you have one, keep it unloaded, locked, and in a safe place out of reach of children. Keep ammunition separately. This can help prevent unfortunate accidents from gunshots.
If you have questions about your living situation, such as whether you have enough food, a safe place to live, or health insurance , talk to your doctor about it. Don't be shy. Your doctor can refer you to community resources or connect you with a social worker who can help.
Finally, the most important thing to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so from what we've talked about, it should be clear to you how important the medical examination at age 18 is.
This age is when your child is entering the adult world. Therefore, it is our responsibility to help them maintain their physical and mental health to the fullest.
Talk openly with the doctor, ask any questions or doubts you have. Give your child the same opportunity, teach them to make decisions about their own health, and take responsibility. A healthy, happy, and self-confident young generation is the future of our country. So don't skip these doctor appointments. We hope everything goes well!
` 18-year medical examination, youth health guidelines, Well-Child Visit Sinhala, adolescent health, mental health advice, healthy lifestyle, parenting advice
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