Accessible Health Resources for Teens in Our Community
The teen years are often 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 like osteoporosis (and even heart disease) later in your life.
It’s with this in mind that Southcoast Health provides a variety of health resources for teens in MA and RI. Let Southcoast and our friendly, experienced staff help you learn how to take care of your body for a lifetime.
Tests You Need in Your Teen Years
As a female, there are many changes that you will experience in your teenage years, and it’s a good time to start participating in various health tests, such as:
- Monthly breast self-examinations
- Regular pap smears and initial pelvic exam, as recommended by your doctor
- Cholesterol and blood pressure checks, as recommended by your doctor
Find a doctor or OB/GYN near you at Southcoast Health to make an appointment for an exam or to learn more.
Addressing Special Health Issues at Southcoast
From counselors to physicians and support groups, we have a group of dedicated health professionals on-site who are passionate about helping our teen patients with the following special health issues.
Eating Disorders
An eating disorder is an illness defined by abnormal eating behaviors that may involve eating extreme small amounts of food or excessive overeating. These include disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder. Teens and young women are more likely to suffer from an eating disorder. Professional treatment, which can include psychotherapy, medical care and nutrition counseling, is necessary to help these women develop a healthy self-esteem.
Nutritional Counseling
Southcoast offers a variety of weight management programs to guide you on your journey to better health. These programs, offered by our nutrition department, have been proven to be effective in helping people not just lose weight, but make important lifestyle choices to maintain a healthy weight. Monthly maintenance group counseling is also available after completion of any of the programs.
Osteoporosis
Teens may feel like they don’t have to think about this disease, 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.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
STDs are infections that are passed from one person to another during sexual activity. These infections can affect your ability to have children in the future. Most STDs are easily treated with antibiotics. Any symptoms (vaginal discharge, pain, etc.) need to be reported to your doctor.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis (or curvature of the spine) is most often diagnosed in teen or pre-teen girls when a significant growth spurt occurs.
From support groups to wellness services and weight management, Southcoast Health offers many services to support teen health in MA and RI.