Teens Need Health Checkups, Too by Michael C. Lucien, M.D., M.P.H. Teens. They're years past well-baby visits and too young to worry about the problems that come with aging. I recommend that teens have checkups once every two years, and in addition, of course, they should visit the doctor any time there is a health concern.
Teens spend a lot of energy thinking about their bodies.
I find asking teens open-ended questions about how they see themselves can be very revealing. Sometimes a thin young woman tells me that she's too fat. Or a young athlete confides that the hormone pills he bought over the Internet have done wonders for his batting average. Usually by the time they see me, they are already taking the first steps, such as washing their face twice a day with warm water and a mild soap, and keeping their hair clean. In addition, I can offer prescription medications that can really help clear up zits.