Teen Health
"Why now, why me?" wonder many teens, who see no need to pay special attention to their health. Teen years are the time to establish good health habits that will last a lifetime - and also a time to recognize some special health issues.
In fact, the health habits you form in your teen years may play a big part in developing problems such as osteoporosis - and even heart disease - later in your life.
Nutritional issues are very important. That daily diet of french fries for lunch may seem fine now. But you may regret it later on.
Learn now how to take care of your body for a lifetime. Southcoast has some special programs just for teen women that can help you do that.
Tests You Need in Your Teen Years
- Begin monthly breast self-exam.
- Begin regular pap smears and initial pelvic exam as recommended by your doctor.
- Cholesterol and blood pressure checks as recommended by your doctor.
Special Health Issues for Teens
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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs):
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These can affect your ability to have children in the future. STDs are easily treated with antibiotics. Any symptoms (vaginal discharge, pain etc.) need to be reported to your doctor.
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Teens need education on preventing pregnancy. This is readily available at your school or through your health practitioner.
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These include disorders such as anorexia and bulimia and are most common in teens and young women. Professional counseling is necessary to help these women develop healthy self-esteem.
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It is most often diagnosed in teen or pre-teen girls, when significant growth spurt occurs.
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Teens may feel they don't have to think of this disease, which becomes evident at an older age. But your dietary and other habits as a teen may affect whether you develop this disease later in life. Teen female athletes may put themselves at particular risk for this disease because poor dietary habits are often coupled with stress on joints and bones during exercise, beginning the process of bone mass depletion.
National Institutes of Health: Preventing Osteoporosis
Center for Young Women's Health at Boston's Children's Hospital
Southcoast Services for Teen Women
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Pregnancy Prevention
- RAPP Program for both teens and parents
508-961-5445 - Teen Clinic at the New Bedford Community Health Center
New Bedford, Mass.
508-992-6553 - Southcoast Psychiatric Services
Fall River, Mass.
508-675-0089North Dartmouth, Mass.
508-999-7700New Bedford, Mass.
508-961-5915 - Fall River, Mass.
508-679-7047 - New Bedford, Mass.
508-961-5460 - Wareham, Mass.
508-291-3729 - Fall River, Mass.
508-679-7056 - New Bedford, Mass.
508-997-1515 Ext. 3050 - Wareham, Mass.
508-273-4342 - Bereavement Support Group for Children and Adolescents
800-497-1727 - Eating Disorder Support Group @ Tobey Hospital
Wareham, Mass.
508-291-8916 - Teen Aerobics/Junior Fitness
Southcoast Wellness Center
North Dartmouth, Mass.
508-999-2171 - Teen Violence
Call for Southcoast's series of free videotapes on teen violence
1-800-497-1727
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Evaluation and treatment for scoliosis and other posture-related problems. Special programs for female athletes. Individualized evaluation and strategies provided by the Southcoast SPORT program.
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For weight loss and other nutritional issues
