Empowering Teen Health: A Comprehensive Approach
In today’s fast-paced world, a comprehensive approach to teen health is more important than ever. With the pressures of academic performance, social media, and societal norms, teenagers are facing unique challenges that can impact their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
At OnePeak Medical, we provide preventative primary care for teens to address any potential health issues early on. By providing a safe and unbiased space for teens, we can empower them to make informed choices, develop healthy habits, and navigate their journey into adulthood with an unbiased adult. Our proactive approach not only results in better health outcomes but also sets the foundation for a full life of well-being and vitality.
“Teenage years are some of the most important years, but can often be challenging in various ways,” says OnePeak Medical Family Nurse Practitioner, Marlene Dabestan, MSN, FNP-C. Marlene is one of the providers at OnePeak Medical that specializes in teen health, serving Southern Oregon patients in our Talent, Oregon clinic. “Teenagers have different needs than other ages; they need more sleep, more food, more water, and more social engagement. Even if you’re feeling well, we can still work together to support and sustain your healthy habits, get preventative care, and have more people on your team rooting for you.”
Preventative Primary Care for Teens
Our holistic approach to primary care for teens takes into account the whole person – body, mind, spirit, and emotions. We take the time to get to know you to gain a better understanding of your health and ensure you feel heard and valued with every interaction.
Through regular check-ups, screenings, and in-depth testing, we can ensure your physical health is on track. Once we have the information we need, we can build a personalized plan to treat the root cause of your symptoms instead of just putting a Band-Aid on. Even if you’re not sick and feel fine, regular visits with your provider can help detect problems before they cause long-term issues and when they’re the most treatable.
“Preventative care help you maintain and improve your health so you can keep doing the things you love,” says OnePeak Medical Family Nurse Practitioner, Christina Richards, MSN, FNP-C. Christina also specializes in teen health and enjoys educating, coaching, and empowering teenagers through all seasons of life in Bend, Oregon.
“By focusing on preventative care, we can help teens stay healthy throughout their adolescent years and into adulthood,” says Christina. “As primary care providers focused on preventative care, it is our job to provide an open and non-judgmental space to address any concerns early on to reduce your risk for developing more serious conditions.”
Hormone Health and Functional Medicine
Hormonal changes can have a significant impact on everyone, including teens. Fatigue, weight gain, irregular or heavy periods, facial hair, and intense mood swings are all common symptoms of teen hormone imbalance.
But there are also other less common signs that can occur in teen hormonal imbalances:
- Abnormal weight loss or weight gain
- Blurred vision
- Brain fog
- Constipation or more frequent bowel movements
- Depression or anxiety
- Dry skin
- Frequent urination
- Hair loss or fine, brittle hair
- Hot flashes
- Headache
- Increased hunger
- Increased sensitivity to cold or heat
- Increased thirst
- Insomnia
- Muscle weakness/Pain or stiffness in muscles or joints
- Sugar cravings
- Sweating
From mood swings to menstrual irregularities, identifying and addressing underlying hormonal imbalances are key aspects of our comprehensive approach. We combine evidence-based practices with functional medicine principles to create personalized treatment plans that promote optimal hormonal balance and general wellness.
Emotional and Mood Regulation
Teenage years are often marked by emotional ups and downs with anxiety and depression becoming more and more common among teens. The CDC estimates that each year 20% of all children suffer from an identified mental health condition and that 40% will have one by age 18.1
- 14% had ever had a diagnosed anxiety disorder
- 21% ever had a major depressive episode
- 9% ever had behavioral or conduct problems
- 13% ever had ADHD
- 4% had past year substance use disorder
At OnePeak Medical, we provide customized plans to support teens in managing their mood effectively. From nutritional counseling and stress management techniques to mindfulness practices and supplementation, we help empower teens to navigate their emotions in a healthy and balanced way.
Dysmenorrhea and Menstrual Health
As teen girls transition into womanhood, managing menstrual health plays a significant role in their overall well-being. For many, menstruation is still regarded as a taboo topic and teenage girls lack the information, products, and support to understand their own menstrual health.
Identifying any abnormal menstrual patterns earlier on may help identify potential health concerns for adulthood. For those experiencing dysmenorrhea (painful periods), it can greatly impact their daily activities and quality of life. Understanding how to support teen girls in managing menstrual discomfort and promoting overall menstrual health is not only necessary for physical comfort but also for mental and emotional stability during this formative stage of life.
Contraceptive Counseling and Sexual Health
Open and non-judgmental conversations about contraception are essential for supporting teens in protecting their sexual health. Our healthcare providers offer a safe space for these discussions, free from stigma or shame, where teens can discuss their concerns, ask questions, and make informed decisions about their sexual health.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause serious permanent damage to health if left untreated.
By providing reproductive health education and guidance, including contraceptive options, safe sex practices, and prevention of STIs, we can empower teens with the knowledge and resources to make healthy choices.
Sports Physicals, Annual Physical Exams, and General Wellness
Regular physical activity is beneficial for teens’ overall health and well-being. Supporting teens goes beyond just an annual physical exam; it involves promoting overall wellness to prioritize their long-term health and injury prevention.
At OnePeak Medical, we offer both comprehensive sports physicals and annual physical exams to assess your overall health, screen for potential injuries, and promote safe participation in athletic activities. These physical exams are the first line of defense against diseases and injuries that may affect your health.
Our providers also highlight the importance healthy habits, including teen nutrition, fitness, sleep habits, and stress management to help teens thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Nutrition for Teens
Teens have special nutritional needs that change during each stage of their life.2 Many preventable diseases can stem from inadequate nutrition, both from under and overeating. What teens eat and how it affects their bodies plays an important role in their mental health, development, academic and sports performance, overall confidence, and much more.
Children and adolescent obesity rates are at an all-time high. Teens who are overweight or obese are more likely to remain so as adults, increasing their risk of preventable health conditions including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Metabolic syndrome
- Heart disease
- Cancer
What makes our standard of care unique at OnePeak Medical, is that nutrition is woven into your overall plan of care. Our dedicated Fitness and Nutrition Advisers work closely with your medical provider to integrate a personalized nutrition plan into everyday life. Most insurance covers these appointments within the care of your provider.
Advocate for Yourself
We believe in empowering teens to make informed decisions about their health and help them navigate the healthcare system with confidence. Encouraging teens to actively participate in their healthcare decisions, ask questions, and seek information empowers them to take control of their health outcomes.
By promoting self-advocacy skills, such as effective communication with healthcare providers, understanding medical information, and asking the right questions, teens can advocate for their own unique needs. This self-empowerment not only enhances their health outcomes but also instills a lifelong value of self-care and proactive engagement in healthcare.
“Empowering teens with the skills and knowledge to make informed choices about their health, not only helps build confidence to advocate for themselves in healthcare, but also other areas of their lives for many years to come,” says OnePeak Medical Nurse Practitioner, Amber Morales, MSN, FNP-C. Amber offers teens in Redmond, OR and surrounding areas the opportunity to partner with a medical provider that will help empower them to be proactive in reaching their health and wellness goals.
Book Your Appointment Today
At OnePeak Medical, we are committed to fostering a safe and welcoming space where teens can receive comprehensive care that addresses their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By connecting with teens and their families with experienced healthcare providers, we can help facilitate a smooth transition into adulthood.
“Every teen deserves to be listened to, cared for, and supported. If you or a loved one are feeling stressed or feeling unwell, there are a lot of different ways to help. We can work together to find solutions that work and feel good for you, from nutrition and lifestyle counseling to medication when needed,” says Marlene.
Contact your local OnePeak Medical clinic to book your appointment today. Visits are covered by most major insurance.