*Teen Years* (13 to 18 Years)

The Teen Years mark many changes. Teen bodies and minds change from children to adults. Here's information to support Teens and their Parents.

CONFIDENTIALITY: First, a word about our services for teens. As required by law, our services for teens are confidential. The exceptions to this law are if teens tell us they plan to hurt themselves or they plan to hurt someone else. We strongly encourage teens and parents to talk about all aspects of the teen's life, but we do not and cannot require this. At many visits with teens, the Doctor or Nurse Practitioner will need to talk to the teen alone. Before or during the examination, if a teen requests that a parent be present, that request will be honored immediately. Please click here for more complete Teen Confidential Service Information.

WELL CARE VISITS: Regular well care allows you and your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner to check a teenager's health and development, answer questions and update immunizations. Teens should have a physical every 2 to 3 years. You can make an online appointment or call (916) 688-6800. We look forward to seeing you!

Before Your Well Care Visit: Information for teens:

• Teen Web Site (Teen Choices and Challenges): teens should visit this website before their well care visit. Click on "Sign Up" and enter access code: HEQQ11269Q6. The website gathers information and helps with ways teens can improve their health. The information is confidential.
• Teen Checkup Information (Tips for Teens): teens read the information and write down any questions you would like to discuss.

Before Your Well Care Visit: Information for parents of teens:

• Parent Questionnaire (Parent Questionnaire - Teen Well Check (Eng/Span)): parents print a copy, fill it out and bring it to the teen well care visit.
• Parent Checkup Information (Tips for Parents of Teenagers): parents read the information and write down any questions you would like to discuss.

Immunization Records: please bring to the visit so we can update them.

Please note: To view and print these documents you need Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can click on the link to download Adobe Acrobat Reader if needed.

VACCINE INFORMATION: Shots protect against many serious diseases. You may have questions or concerns. The Internet is full of information on shots, and not all is accurate. Here are some reliable web sites and other resources to learn more about shots:

• 2007 Vaccine Schedule
• Immunization Action Coalition
• Shots to Protect Your Child/PHP Information
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Shot Vaccince Information
• Another reliable site for shot information

SAFETY AND PREVENTION: In Pediatrics, we strive to keep our patients safe by preventing accidents and injuries. There are excellent web sites on gun safety and car safety.

PEDIATRIC HEALTH TOPICS:

• Pediatric Health Information: For lots of health information such as colds and flu, allergies, vomiting and diarrhea and many other topics, go to Pediatric Health Information and Teen Health Information.
• Teen Skin: We recommend mild soaps without perfumes. Check here about rashes or other skin conditions.
• General Health Topics: Lots of health information on this web site with specific pediatric web section and searchable. Go to www.healthfinder.gov.
• More Pediatric Health Information:

1. The American Academy of Pediatrics addresses many Pediatric health issues.
2. Kid's Health Web Site has a teen section

ILLNESS AND INJURY: We understand the worry and stress when sick or hurt. The resources above in "Pediatric Health Topics" can be very helpful. In addition, below are some specific topics:

• Sore Throat and Strep Throat
• How to Manage Asthma: A Guide for Adults and Children

• Cuts to the Skin
• Strains, Sprains, and Fractures
• Ankle Sprains
• Little League Elbow
• Osgood-Schlatter Disease

DENTAL CARE:

• Teen Teeth: Here's a site for general dental information.
• Fluoride: Fluoride prevents cavities. It is needed through age 16 years old. Children in the City of Sacramento get fluoride in the water. For other areas of Sacramento County, check the Sacramento area fluoride map. On this map, if you live in "optimal fluoride" or "partial fluoride" areas, no additional fluoride is needed. If you live outside of Sacramento County, check with your water company to see if you have fluoride. If you have well water, get it tested for fluoride. Call your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner if your child needs fluoride or if you have questions.

Disclaimer
If you think you have a MEDICAL OR PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY or go to the nearest hospital. DO NOT attempt to access emergency care through this web site. An emergency medical condition is a medical or psychiatric condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in any of the following: serious jeopardy to your health, serious impairment to your bodily functions, or serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part. An emergency medical condition is also "active labor," which means a labor when there is inadequate time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery or if a transfer poses a threat to the health of the member or unborn child.

This site may contain links to other web sites outside of www.permanente.net. Kaiser Permanente has no control over the content or the availability of these sites, and is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of such Web sites. Web links are provided as an educational tool, and should not be relied upon for personal diagnosis or treatment. A link or reference to a web site should not be construed as an endorsement of the site or its contents. Any medical content that you feel may be important to your health should always be discussed with your Kaiser Permanente physician.