Many Jacksonville pediatricians continue to see teenagers or young adults up to 18 years of age. Undergoing puberty and entering adulthood may be stressful for many young adults. As such, they may appreciate the medical guidance of a practitioner they know and trust. They may find it easier to discuss certain things with the pediatrician that they may not feel entirely comfortable discussing with their parents or friends. It may prove to be beneficial for their overall well-being.

When should young adults see a pediatrician?

The decision of when to see a pediatrician is a personal one, but many Jacksonville pediatricians advise young adults to get a health checkup done at least once a year. An annual checkup can enable their pediatrician to monitor their general well-being and their normal growth and development. The doctor might be able to find any clinical signs of poor health and take appropriate preventive measures.

The pediatrician can also treat existing chronic conditions and ensure that these remain under control and do not hamper the young adult’s daily existence to a great extent. If the young adults have health conditions that are not curable, the pediatrician will make every effort to manage their pain and make them comfortable. They may also refer them to a specialist for treatment.

Common health problems of young adults

Some of the common health problems that young adults face are related to:

• Growth and development

• Delayed puberty

• Obesity

• Eating disorders

• Chronic diseases

• Mental health disorders

• Infectious diseases

• Substance abuse disorders

• Injuries from accidents, sports, or fights

• Teenage pregnancies

What to expect at the pediatrician’s office

At the pediatrician’s office, the doctor will talk to the young adult patient and listen to his or her health issues. If the young adult is a long-time patient, the pediatrician will review his or her existing health records. In the case of new patients, the doctor will look at files they may have from a previous health provider.

The pediatrician or the pediatric nurse will perform a physical checkup of the young adult patient. They may do the following:

• Check the young adult’s temperature, blood pressure, heartbeat, and oxygen level.

• Measure weight and check if it is proportionate for the young adult patient’s height and body structure.

• Examine the young adult patient’s vision and hearing ability, reflexes, muscle tone, muscle strength, and bone health.

• Inquire about the young adult patient’s eating habits, sleeping habits, hygiene habits, and dental care.

• Discuss any social and behavioral issues the young adult might have.

• Advise the young adults on handling emotional distress and checking for any potentially harmful behaviors.

• Talk to younger teenagers about puberty-related matters and guide the physical and emotional changes they experience in this period.

• Address sexual health issues, such as examining the young men for hernias and testicular cancer and referring the young women to a gynecologist.

• Provide screening for sexually transmitted diseases if the young adult is sexually active.

• Undertake to screen for tuberculosis if the young adult is at risk for that disease.

• Evaluate whether injuries in young adults are minor or severe and determine the appropriate course of treatment.

• Treat the young adult patient for chronic illnesses or existing mental and physical health conditions.

• Impress the young adults with the importance of being active in their health care and give them practical advice about following good nutrition, taking proper exercise, avoiding bad habits, and following adequate safety measures.

If possible, parents should accompany the young adult to the pediatrician’s office for their health checkup. While many teenagers like to be independent and shun too much parental interference, they may also feel awkward and vulnerable in a medical environment. They may appreciate the emotional support they can get by having a caring parent with them. It will also enable the parents to stay up-to-date about their child’s health and bring up any concerns they might have or which the young adult forgot to ask with the pediatrician.

Most Jacksonville pediatricians will appreciate it if parents partner with them in healthcare matters regarding their teenagers. That can enable them, the parents, and the young adults to make short-term and long-term healthcare decisions in the best interest of the young adults.