Recommended Evaluations for Healthy Teens
There are a number of evaluations and preventive treatments that should be performed during this period of childhood to assure optimal health. It is important to keep these in mind, since teenagers may consider health items a very low priority.

Tests to be performed every 6-12 months:

• Dental exam
• Useful to detect dental caries

Tests to be performed at every physician visit:

• Sexual practices screening
• Useful to detect venereal disease
• Physical activity screening
• Useful to detect sedentary behavior
• Drug screen
• Useful to detect substance abuse
• Urinalysis
• Useful to detect diabetes and/or kidney disease

Tests to be performed yearly if female and sexually active:

• PAP smear
• Useful to detect cervical cancer

Tests to be performed every 6-4 years:

• History and Physical exam
• Useful to detect various disorders
• Height and weight
• Useful in detecting general development
• Blood pressure
• Useful to detect hypertension

Tests to be performed once, at age 12-14 years:

• Hearing test
• Useful to detect a hearing deficit
• Vision test
• Useful to detect a vision problem

Tests to be performed at a physician's discretion:

• CBC
• Useful to detect anemia
• TB skin test
• Useful to detect tuberculosis
• Cholesterol panel (if a parent(s) have high cholesterol)
• Useful to detect heart disease risk factors

This information is provided as a general guide only. We urge you to discuss these tests with your pediatrician.