Generally, your child or teen is evaluated yearly. At each well-child visit, the doctor will check your child's growth and development and examine your child for possible problems.

Normal checks include:

• School and behavioral concerns, such as failing classes or dropping out of school, relationship problems with friends and family that affect home or school life, severe mood swings, lack of interest in normal activities and withdrawal from others, being physically aggressive, becoming sexually active, and drinking alcohol or using tobacco or drugs.
• Blood pressure. Your child or teen should have his or her blood pressure checked at a yearly medical checkup. After age 21, he or she should follow the adult blood pressure screening guidelines.
• Hearing.
• Scoliosis.
• Vision (children and teens).
• Vision (adults).
• Height and weight.

Other tests may include:

• Breast cancer screening for females.
• Cervical cancer screening for females.
• Cholesterol screening.
• Coronary artery disease screening.
• Diabetes type 2 screening for children and teens.
• Diabetes type 2 screening for adults.
• Gestational diabetes for females.
• Hematocrit test, which checks the amount of red blood cells.
• HIV test.
• Screening for alcohol abuse (also called alcohol misuse).
• Screening for depression in adults.
• Sexually transmitted disease screening.
• Testicular cancer screening for males.
• Tuberculosis screening.

Pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant may be screened for genetic conditions, sexually transmitted diseases, and other conditions. For more information, see the topic Pregnancy.

Dental checkups are recommended for all children, teens, and young adults once or twice a year.

For more information on the milestones of teen growth and development, see the topics Growth and Development, Ages 11 to 14 Years and Growth and Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years.