Teenagers experience a variety of changes as they grow into adults. Physically, they have to cope with hair and body growth, and mentally they wrestle with self-identity and social issues. The teenage years are a crucial time for human development, and it is important that teenagers take care of both their physical and mental health. It is beneficial for teens to visit a physician so that the confusing aspects of their changing bodies can be explained and so proper health guidelines can be given.
The Doctor's Office
Doctors can help teenagers understand the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. It is advised that teens meet with their doctor annually, and full physical examinations should be undergone at least three times during the teenage years: once when the teen is between ages 11 and 14, once when the teen is between ages 15 to 17, and a final time in late adolescence between the ages of 18 and 21. These visits will help ensure proper development.
Mental Health
According to the Surgeon General's report, over 14 million children and adolescents have mental health disorders in the United States. Emotional disturbances and mental health disorders can cause teens to do poorly in school, act violently, turn to alcohol or illegal drug use or even commit suicide. Depression is a common mental health disorder amongst teens, and it is believed that one in eight teens suffer from it. However, many mental health disorders in teens go unnoticed or are misdiagnosed.
Puberty
Puberty is a process marked by significant growth and physical changes in teens. At a certain age (which is different for each individual), the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is sent by the brain to the pituitary gland, which in turn releases the luteinizing hormones (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH). Depending on whether you are male or female, these hormones go to different places. In males they travel to the testicles and produce sperm and testosterone, while in females LH and FSH travel to the ovaries and produce estrogen.
Body Changes
Puberty often causes breast growth in women and muscle development in men. However, other areas, such as the belly or buttocks may also become larger. Some bodies may develop a transient layer of fat in preparation for growth spurts, and other bodies may balloon-up permanently. Roughly 75 percent of teens stop participating in sports once puberty-induced development begins, which can be explained in part by the discomfort they feel in their own bodies.
Nutrition
It is extremely important for teens to maintain nutritious diets. A range of servings is recommended from each food group, and more active teens will need to consume more servings. Healthy eating habits in teens, including sufficient calcium intake, can help prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures.
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