The teen years are a time of experimentation and risk taking. For some teens the social pressures of trying to fit in can be too much pressure. These years can be even more troubling for teens who are confronted with teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, violence, delinquency, suicide, depression, unintentional injuries and school failure. Parents often walk a tight rope between allowing their teenager to gain some independence and helping them to deal with their feelings during this difficult and challenging time in their lives.

Teenagers recognize that they are developmentally between child and adult. Emerging cognitive abilities and social experiences lead teens to question adult values and experiment with health risk behaviors. Some behaviors threaten current health, while other behaviors may have long-term health consequences. The changes in cognitive abilities offer an opportunity to help the teenager develop attitudes and lifestyles that can enhance their health and well being. Teen health prevention includes maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, preventing injuries and screening annually for potential health conditions that could adversely affect teenage health.