Adolescence is a transition period between childhood and adulthood. It is a stressful developmental period filled with major changes in physical maturity and sexuality, cognitive processes (ways of thinking and thought content), emotional feelings, and relationships with others. Addressing the healthcare needs of this age group requires not only addressing identified health concerns, but also considering the complicated interactions of developmental changes on healthcare needs, the effectiveness of treatment, health education, and health promotion.

As adolescents begin to take responsibility for their own health, education and promotion of preventive healthcare is very important. Teaching preventive healthcare (about topics such as pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted diseases, the effects of smoking, the need for immunizations, and substance use) and providing health education regarding specific healthcare needs to adolescents requires special consideration and effort to ensure understanding and encourage compliance.

Use the following links for more in-depth information:

• Adolescent Growth and Development
  • Female Physical Development 
    • Anatomy of the Breasts
    • Anatomy of the Female Pelvic Area
    • Menstrual Cycle: An Overview
    • Normal Breast Development
    • Puberty: Adolescent Female
  • Male Physical Development
    • Care of the Uncircumcised Penis
    • Overview of the Male Anatomy
    • Physical Examination: Adolescent Male
    • Puberty: Adolescent Male
    • Normal Growth
• Adolescent Health Problems and Injuries
  • Acne
  • Asthma
  • Breast Conditions
    • Breast Self-Examination
  • Diabetes
  • Eye Care / Avoiding Eye Injuries
  • Gynecological and Menstrual Conditions
    • Menstrual Disorders
    • Recognizing Gynecologic Problems
    • Vaginitis
    • Vulvitis
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Infectious Mononucleosis
  • Obesity
  • Oral Health
    • Orthodontics and Braces
    • Periodontal Disease
    • Wisdom Teeth Extraction
  • Orthopedic Problems
    • Osgood-Schlatter Disease
    • Scoliosis
    • Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases
    • Safer Sex Guidelines
  • Sports Safety
    • Heat-Related Illnesses
    • Mouthguards
    • Sports Injuries Statistics
    • Sprains and Strains
    • Tennis Elbow
• Adolescent Mental Health
  • Adjustment Disorders
  • Anxiety Disorders
    • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
    • Phobias
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Behavior Disorders
    • Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
    • Conduct Disorder
    • Oppositional Defiant Disorder
  • Chronic Illness: Psychological Complications
  • Eating Disorders
    • Anorexia Nervosa
    • Bulimia Nervosa
  • Mood Disorders
    • Overview of Mood Disorders
    • Dysthymia
    • Major Depression
    • Manic Depression / Bipolar Disorder
    • Teen Suicide
  • Schizophrenia
  • Substance Abuse / Chemical Dependence
• Cognitive Development
• Healthy Lifestyles
  • Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides
  • Exercise
  • Healthy Eating During Adolescence
  • Smoking
  • Weight Management
• Relationship Development
• Safety and Injury Prevention
  • Bicycle / In-Line Skating / Skateboarding Safety
  • Firearm Safety
  • Sports Safety
    • Heat-Related Illnesses
    • Mouthguards
    • Sports Injuries Statistics
    • Sprains and Strains
    • Tennis Elbow
  • Teenage Drivers
  • Water Safety and Prevention
• Online Resources
• Glossary

Pediatric Care at Rush

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, is a leader in caring for children of all ages, from newborns through young adults.

At Rush, physicians from more than 30 specialties address the full range of pediatric diseases and congenital problems, from the common to the complex. Rush pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, nurses and other health professionals provide care that aims to fulfill community needs, empower parents and advance pediatric care.

For more information about the pediatric care at Rush visit the Rush Children’s Hospital home page.

Or phone (888) RUSH-KID or (888) 787-4543.

Looking for Other Health Information?

Visit Discover Rush’s Web Resource page to find articles on health topics and recent health news from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. You will also find many helpful links to other areas of our site.