Health Screenings for Teen Girls

The body doesn't come with an owner's manual, a how to guide, or a fix it kit. There is no instinct as to what health screenings you need and at what point in your life you need them. Most people realize the importance of immunization in the infant stages of life, but fail to see the importance of maintaining the preventative screenings later on in life. If you are female, or someone you know, and are between the ages of twelve years and seventeen years (the common teen years), then these are the screenings that your doctor would agree you need.

An ANNUAL height and weight check, usually included in a general physical.

Every other year, a blood pressure and pulse rate health screening.

A breast exam (singular) to teach self breast exam techniques correctly. This is very important to instill a healthy habit for later in life.

A pelvic exam and pap smear if sexually active, and then every year after that.

Up to date immunizations with the rubella titer.

Every other year, a hemocrit or hemoglobin test.

A baseline urinalysis, done once during the age year range.

Twice a year dental exams, to keep optimum oral health and prevent future problems.

HIV test if in risk zone for the disease.

Eye exam if needed

Skin health screening every two years, to check moles for changes.

Health screenings that are usually not necessary at this age range include
(but aren't limited to) a blood sugar test, mammogram, cholesterol screening, thyroid test, EKG, Stool blood test, bone density exam, flexible sigmoidscopy, and colonoscopy. Of course, this will vary immensely with the medical background of the person and your doctor will decide whether these tests are needed.

This article provides a brief guide to the health screenings that one should be aware of in the age range indicated and isn't designed to substitute for a medical doctor's opinion. When in doubt, ask your physician.

If you need more information about when you need to have health screenings and what ones are available you can get more information at the free health and wellbeing website for Speaking of Women's Health. The website address is

http://www.speakingofwomenshealth.com