Teen & Adolescent Health

Adolescence and young adulthood are periods of critical development and transition for young men. From the onset of puberty, to the time they enter early adulthood in their 20s, young men undergo a variety of major physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes. Since these changes have important implications on their health, it’s important to ensure that your child knows they have access to confidential and professional care from a men’s healthcare physician.

At the Men’s Vitality Center in Tucson, we’ve helped hundreds of young men when it comes to routine checkups, medical exams, sports physicals, routine vaccinations, and counseling. Our men’s physicians work very hard to ensure that all of our teenage patients are taken care of in a private and comfortable environment. If you’re interested in learning more about our teen and adolescent healthcare services, or you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, contact us today!

Teen & Adolescent Health Services in Tucson

Although adolescent males have as many health issues and concerns as adolescent females, they are much less likely to see a doctor in a clinical setting. “Adolescent and young adult male health receives little attention, despite the potential for positive effects on adult quality and length of life, and reduction of health disparities and social inequalities,” says David L. Bell, MD, MPH, from the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Population and Family Health at Columbia University Medical Center. “Pediatric providers, as the medical home for adolescents, are well positioned to address young men’s health needs.”

At the Men’s Vitality Center in Tucson, we take teen and adolescent care very seriously, which is why we’re passionate about providing our patients with the best men’s health clinic in Arizona. Some of our specialized healthcare services for teens include:

Routine Checkups

By scheduling yearly checkups with one of our men’s healthcare providers, you can rest assured that your teen is on a road to healthy growth and development. Our doctors will keep track of changes in your teen’s physical, mental, and social development, and will offer them advice when it comes to avoiding unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and drinking. Our men’s healthcare physicians can also help your teen understand the importance of choosing a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, exercise, and safety measures. The more your teen understands about their physical growth and sexual development, the more they will recognize the importance of active involvement in their own health and wellness.

Vaccinations & Immunizations

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that young men between the ages of 11 and 21 should see their primary care physician at least once a year. By the time your child reaches the age of 13, he should already have had the following immunizations:

• Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
• Hepatitis B Vaccine (HBV)
• Hepatitis A Vaccine (HAV)
• Meningococcal Vaccine
• Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV)

If your child is missing any of the vaccinations listed above, be sure to contact the men’s healthcare experts at the Men’s Vitality Center. We’ll schedule a convenient time for you and your son to come to our clinic where we can discuss any medical vaccinations he may need.

Dr. Matt Freeman DNP, MPH is a member of the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine, the Partnership for Male Youth, and the American College Health Association. He has published and presented award-winning research on adolescent medicine. He has also taught a core curriculum on adolescent medicine to primary care students.

Sports Physical Exam

If your teen needs a sports physical exam in order to play on the school basketball, football, baseball, fencing, or other sports teams, our qualified physicians can help. When you bring your teen to the Men’s Vitality Center for a physical exam, one of our doctors will review your teenager’s medical history before conducting a thorough physical examination. The physical exam will likely include the following:

• Height and weight measurements
• Blood pressure and pulse measurements
• Feeling the neck for swollen lymph nodes or an enlarged thyroid gland
• Abnormalities in the spine and signs of scoliosis
• Discussion of important health and safety issues like sexuality and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Joint flexibility and muscle strength
• Testicular exam

Teen Counseling

As a parent, you may remember your teenage years as a time of challenge and angst. While many things have changed since you were in school, the difficulties of being a teenager in high school still remain. Teens face many new pressures day in and day out, and sometimes they don’t always have healthy reactions. In some cases, young men may need counseling to help them better cope with their problems, and parents should always be on the lookout for signs that their child is depressed or withdrawn. Problems in teens can range from small to large, and at the Men’s Vitality Center, we offer counseling for teens who are struggling with academic performance, emotional health, and stress. If your teen is going through any of the issues below, it may be wise to schedule them an appointment at our men’s health clinic to speak with one of our counselors.

• Changes in family life such as moving to a new town, divorce, or serious illness and death in the family
• The loss of a close friend or significant other through a breakup, feud, or death
• Substance abuse and addiction
• School bullying or abuse at home
• Teen pregnancy
• Theft or vandalism
• Inappropriate sexual behavior
• Excessive worry or anxiety
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Change in sleep habits or frequent nightmares
• Mood changes including temper tantrums, anger, and depression
• Fighting in school

As you may already know, unresolved problems or disorders can impede a child’s development or trigger emotional stress that can cause trauma to the child, parents, and family as a whole. If you feel your child could benefit from our teen and adolescent healthcare services, contact our qualified team of physicians today. We also offer managed care for men including cholesterol management, weight loss management, testosterone replacement therapy, and STD screenings.