Your 18-Year Checkup

Checkups make sure you are growing well and help you find out if there are any health problems. Return in 1 year for your next checkup.

• Make healthy diet choices:

  • Eat with your family as often as possible.

  • Eat a balanced diet that includes lean protein (like chicken and fish), whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy.

  • Get about 3 dairy servings a day. This can include low-fat or nonfat milk, fortified soy milk, and low-fat cheese and yogurt. Non-dairy sources of calcium include fortified juice, cereal, and bread; dark leafy greens; and tofu (calcium-set).

  • Eat iron-rich foods every day. Meat, poultry, seafood, beans, and iron-fortified items (such as bread and cereals) are all good sources of iron.

  • If you drink juice, limit it to 8 ounces (240 ml) a day of 100% juice.

  • Read food labels and limit foods that are high in fat (such as red meat), added sugar (such as soda and sports drinks), and salt (such as fast food).

  • Don't drink energy drinks. They can contain lots of caffeine or other stimulants (uppers) and may cause health problems.

• Make healthy lifestyle choices:

  • Keep a healthy weight.

  • Get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity (like fast walking) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (like running) a week.

  • Balance screen time with other healthy behaviors.

  • Get 7–9 hours of sleep every night.

  • Avoid smoking (including e-cigarettes), drug use (including prescription, nonprescription, and inhalants), and drinking alcohol.

• Make good choices about sex and relationships:

  • If you are sexually active, always use a condom to protect yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted infections or STIs (also called sexually transmitted diseases or STDs) and unwanted pregnancy.

  • Do not stay in a relationship that is dangerous or disrespectful, or where you feel pressured for sex.

• Take responsibility for your schoolwork. Talk to a parent, teacher, or trusted friend if you need help.

• Continue to spend time with family.

• Understand and fulfill your own spiritual needs.

• Keep friends who enjoy doing fun and safe things together.

• Look for social, community, and sport activities that you enjoy.

• Be thoughtful about how your texts or social media posts might hurt others.

• Find ways to handle stress, such as talking about feelings, exercising, and enjoying relaxing activities (like listening to music or hanging out with friends). It is always OK to ask for help.

• Talk to your health care provider if you feel sad or hopeless a lot of the time, aren't enjoying the things you used to enjoy, or ever have thoughts of hurting yourself. These can be signs of depression, and your health care provider can help you.

• Use talking (instead of violence) as a way to work through disagreements with others.

• Make and follow through on future college or work plans.

• Be safe in the car:

  • Always wear a seatbelt.

  • Never drink/use drugs and drive or get in the car with someone who has been drinking/using drugs. Call someone you trust if you need help.

  • Obey the speed limit and drive responsibly.

  • Do not text or use a cell phone while driving.

• Protect your hearing:

  • Keep music at a moderate level.

  • Wear protective earplugs or earmuffs when close to loud noises and at car races and concerts.

• Be safe on the Internet. Don't give out personal information or post anything that you wouldn't want shared.

• Never take prescription medicines that were not prescribed for you by a health care provider.

• Use proper sports safety equipment including helmets, mouth guards and eye guards, and padding.

• Do not carry or use weapons.

• Do not use tanning beds. They increase the risk of skin cancer.

• If you're worried that you have a drug or alcohol problem, talk to your health care provider about ways to get help. Signs of drug and alcohol addiction include:

  • a strong need for the substance

  • needing more of the substance to get the same effect as before

  • having problems when the substance is not used, such as shaking, diarrhea, and feeling sick

  • mood swings, no longer spending time with family and friends, falling grades, changes in sleeping patterns, and weight loss or gain

• Manage your own medical care:

  • Arrange medical insurance through your parents, school, and/or work.

  • Know where to go for medical care (including birth control and mental health help).

  • Schedule routine medical care (including with a gynecologist for young women) and dental visits.

  • Make and keep a medical plan for any ongoing illnesses, such as asthma or ADHD.

  • Understand and follow your health care provider's instructions on immunizations and medical testing.

• If you live away from home:

  • Be sure you have your medical insurance information.

  • Know where to go for medical care (including birth control and mental health help).

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. Go to the dentist every 6 months.

• In the sun, use a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and re-apply every 2 hours or more often if swimming or sweating.

• Your health care provider can tell you about help that is available in the community or through a social worker. Talk to your health care provider if you're worried that you:

  • don't have enough food

  • don't have a safe place to live

  • don't have health insurance

  • have a problem with drugs or alcohol