Physical Health and Nutrition

Adolescence is a good time for children and youth to begin taking responsibility for their physical health—from what they eat to keeping fit. In addition to maintaining a healthy diet and being active each day, adolescents should get a good night’s sleep, receive dental checkups twice a year, and receive a physical checkup once a year. During this phase, adolescents with chronic conditions like asthma, depression, and ADD/ADHD can begin to learn how to manage those conditions. Although some adolescents face barriers to receiving adequate care due to lack of health insurance, the Affordable Care Act includes many provisions to extend coverage for adolescents. MORE »