U becomes J - the J1 check-up
This is almost the end of our series on medical check-ups. We are looking at J1, the penultimate examination.
This adolescent check-up should take place between the ages of 12 and 15, we usually do it from 13. This is a very complex screening process. There are two questionnaires beforehand, one filled out by the young people themselves and the other by their parents.
The screening itself then starts with weighing, measuring, hearing test, eye test, blood pressure, a look at the immunisation record, everything as usual. In our practice, we then do one part with the young person alone and one part together with the parent present, if one is present, because sometimes the young people come alone, which is also perfectly fine.
So they are given a thorough physical examination, they are asked if they have any complaints and then, of course, a lot of psychosocial issues are discussed - how things are going at school, and mobile phone/computer/media use is always a big topic nowadays. The topic of sexuality can come up, sometimes it's also a lot about social interaction, depending on how well or less well the children feel they are doing in their class communities or sports communities. We also always offer to take a blood sample and check some basic values, e.g. thyroid, liver values, blood lipids.
So, all in all, it's quite a complex story and one that we highly recommend. So if your children are of an appropriate age, please remember that this is a very good, important preventive measure.
Further interesting tips
Blood in the stool
We are starting the new year with a not so appetising topic: blood in the stool. It happens once a week in our day-to-day practice that we receive a very excited phone call or a somewhat panicked email saying: "Oh God, my child has blood in their stool." In most cases, the excitement is unnecessary.
Sleep II
The subject of sleep is very complex, which is why we will be looking at it more often. So today it's part two. And we want to dispel a myth.
Nature never disappoints
I once read this sentence in a parenting book and I have to say: it's simply true. With my children, too, it was sometimes a fuss until they were dressed, they whinged that they didn't want to go out and it took forever until we were outside. But when we were outside, in the snow, by the stream, in the meadow, somewhere in nature, it was always great, the children always had fun discovering something, something that interested them.