Welcome to the Tween and Teen Years
As part of your routine health care, it is important for us to be able to have honest and upfront conversations with your tween/teen about subjects that can be difficult to discuss, like drugs, smoking, alcohol, depression, suicide risk, and sex.
It is important to start these conversations early – both at home and at our office – to protect their health, help them safely navigate through the teen years, and to encourage your teen to take charge of their own well-being.
Our patients aged 12 years and older will be asked to complete confidential screening tools at each well visit asking about these topics. We will use this information to help provide additional counseling and resources. The screens we use are a modified CRAFFT-N and a PHQ-A and information can be found on these websites:
- https://www.crafft.org/about-the-crafft
- https://nimh.nih.gov/research/research-conducted-at-nimh/asq
Your tween/teen will be asked to complete these screens electronically and on their own to ensure honesty and confidentiality. We will not share this information with a parent or guardian as mandated by teen confidentiality laws, except for any concerns about self-harm or harm to others.
As recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, we may spend part of the visit speaking with your tween or teen privately. This confidential time supports healthy development and allows adolescents to discuss sensitive topics and ask questions in a safe, supportive setting.
During visits starting at 11 yrs old, we will also be immunizing against Human Papilloma Virus and several strains of meningococcal meningitis. FAQ on HPV vaccine can be found on our website under “Services”.
Additional Screening for Tweens and Teens
Cholesterol screening:
While cardiovascular disease is rare in children, risk factors present in childhood can greatly increase the likelihood a child will develop heart disease as an adult. In response, guidelines sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, and endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend ALL children between 9-11 years old and 17-21 years old undergo universal screening for high blood cholesterol levels regardless of risk factors. There is convincing evidence that children with cholesterol problems become adults with high cholesterol. Less than 1% of children with high cholesterol will require medication, but it will be important to limit cholesterol dense foods, incorporate heart healthy, cholesterol lowering foods and increase activity/exercise in those children with elevated levels. Here at DSP, a simple fingerstick will be performed, if covered by your insurance, at the 10-11 year well visit and again between 16-18 yrs. If your insurance does not cover the in-office lab, or these results are abnormal, then you will be directed to a local lab to have a fasting lipid panel completed.
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Screening:
We follow current public health guidelines for screening adolescents for sexually transmitted infections using blood or urine tests. These guidelines often recommend routine screening for teens, even if they do not report sexual activity. Screening may be ordered through a local laboratory when indicated. We also provide age-appropriate counseling on abstinence, healthy relationships, and safe sex practices.
Substance Use in Teens:
- While many U.S. teens do not use drugs, opioid misuse and overdose among adolescents has been a serious concern, especially with powerful drugs like fentanyl
- Even if drug use isn’t currently a problem in your home, having naloxone (Narcan) available and knowing how to use it can be lifesaving
- Naloxone is also important to have in the home if you or your child take a prescription opiate based medication
- Naloxone is a safe, effective medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose and is recommended for families to have on hand in case of an emergency
- Naloxone is available without a prescription in Arizona
- Nicotine use has increased significantly with vaping/electronic devices and often leads to substance use disorder
- Nicotine is a stimulant and has adverse effects on your teen including learning and attention problems and has been linked with anxiety and depression
Additional resources for Teens and Parents of teens:
- Young Women’s Health https://youngwomenshealth.org
- Young Men’s Health https://youngmenshealthsite.org
- Substance Use and Mental Health https://crafft.org/resources
Nicotine Use, Dangers, and Cessation resources:
- https://healthychildren.org/English/health issues/conditions/tobacco/Pages/Alternative-Forms-of-Tobacco.aspx
- https://az.mylifemyquit.org/en-us/
- https://azdhs.gov/prevention/chronic-disease/tobacco-vape-e-cigarettes
Operation Parent:
