Ages 7–21
Annual well-child visits help older kids stay on a healthy path. “You’ll continue to talk about physical activity, healthy eating, sleep, and how things are going at school, at home and in extracurricular activities,” Masotti says.
Believe it or not, kids can have high cholesterol. Screenings begin between ages 9 and 11. Your child should also start their meningococcal (MenACWY) and human papillomavirus (HPV) shots between ages 11 and 12.
For adolescents, confidential conversations will address issues like smoking, alcohol and drugs, sexual activity and depression. Their primary care physician may suggest screenings for HIV, chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections.
Make sure young adults know and meet the requirements of the college or technical school they’ll be attending.