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Home : Body : Getting help with your health

Getting help with your health

Girl and hcp.

As you get older, it’s a good idea to get more involved in taking care of your own health. Taking good care of yourself will not only help protect your body — it can make you feel capable, mature, and proud of yourself. Of course, you don’t have do this alone. Work together with caring adults like your parents or guardians to protect your great, growing body.

You’ll definitely want to work closely with your doctor — and not just when you’re sick but also to prevent any problems. Your doctor will tell you how often you should come in for checkups; it’s usually once a year. If you do have a health problem, girlshealth.gov can help you stay strong both emotionally and physically. Check out our information on illness and disability.

Your doctor or other health care provider can help you with everything from sports injuries to immunizations. You can start getting more involved by asking the doctor for tips in areas like nutrition, exercise, and safety.

Keep in mind that your doctor can be a great resource on topics that can be a little rough for you. These might include how fast your body should develop, feeling unhappy for no obvious reason, worries about your eating habits, and the whole complicated topic of sex. You may find it a little embarrassing to raise these issues, but remember that doctors and nurses have heard about all this before — and they want to give you the support you need to stay healthy and happy.

Learn more about people who provide health care, why you might see a gynecologist, and ways to work well with health care providers.

 

Content last updated October 13, 2010

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health.

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