This blog is the second of four that will look at prevention throughout the life span. Part 1 (infants and young children) was published earlier this week. Look for Part 3 and Part 4 next week.
Prevention Part II (Teenagers)
As children grow, they become increasingly independent. As parents and caregivers, we still want to keep them safe and healthy. We can make sure they get proper preventive care as they become teenagers and use these formative years to teach them the prevention skills they will need as young adults to manage their own health care.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) offers coverage for a number of screenings and assessments including depression, substance use, and HIV and reproductive health (for those who are sexually active). Although these issues are difficult for parents to discuss with their children, they issues are important for young people navigating their way through adolescence. Physicians and nurse practioners can often discuss sensitive topics in a way that may be less threatening to the young person. .[sentence not clear, so I removed it]
Teenagers are also covered for routine health matters, such as hearing and vision screening (as are younger children). And because immunization needs to be continued into adolescence with boosters for things such as tetanus, as well as vaccines for HPV and meningitis, young people are covered for these as well.
One of the most important things in the ACA is the ability to continue coverage for young people past high school (up to age 26) if they do not have access to coverage elsewhere. This continued coverage helps to ensure that young people maintain their access to preventive services and screenings.
Prevention is a life-long process. As our children move through the teenage years, teaching them the skills of prevention prepares them for a healthier and happier future.