Dr. Sally Adams and her colleagues at the University of California in San Francisco surveyed 2,192 people ages 12 to 17 years old who had undergone health examinations within the last six months. About 76 percent of physicians discussed nutrition and exercise with the young patients, but only 30 percent talked about substance abuse. Fewer still discussed safety issues such as seatbelts, helmets or violence.
Dr. Adams said that national health care guidelines suggest that doctors provide screening and information about high-risk behaviors.
"If teenagers can get preventive care to avoid risky behaviors, "she said, "it may impact their health not only in adolescence but also throughout their lifetimes."
Labels: communication, patients, pediatricians
Posted By: Aspen Education Group