Your Checkup Checklist: 17 Years Old

Is your teen's yearly physical and health screening coming up soon? This visit will cover a broad range of health issues, so it's smart for you to prepare together. Here's what to expect and what to discuss.

Key issues for 17-year-olds

• Future plans. Around this age, careers and college move into the spotlight for most teens. Many are worrying their way through the college application process or exploring trade or military careers, wondering which kinds of work will pay well and feel personally rewarding. Stress, anxiety and the desire to be perfect can threaten your teen's mental and physical well-being.
  
  
• Personal identity. Though many teens feel more confident and centered than they did in middle school, others suffer from the sense that they don't fit in. Kids who have been criticized, bullied, or discriminated against may struggle to cope. Sex and gender issues may impact many teens, especially those who identify as LBGTQ+.
  
  
• Sexual health. Nearly 50% of all U.S. teens have their first sexual encounters in high school. But whatever their experiences, many feel anxious about sex and intimate relationships. Open, compassionate conversations about body autonomy, consent and safe sex can be helpful. Kids who dislike their bodies may need more than simple reassurance, since these feelings may be fuel eating disorders, compulsive exercise and other unhealthy patterns.

What to expect at your 17-year-old's yearly checkup

By now, your teen may opt to meet with the doctor one-on-one. If not, you can talk with them about their preferences and ask what support they need. Making a list of questions and concerns can spark a helpful dialogue.

Your teen's doctor may ask:

• How is school going? (If you're not doing well, what do you think is the cause?)
  

• Any big changes in your life lately? (For example, moving to a new school or town, family conflict, loss of a loved one, divorce, lost or paused friendships)

• Do you feel good about yourself most of the time? Why or why not?

• Do you have at least one trusted adult you can go to for support?
  
  

Your get-ready checklist

✅ Immunizations

Pediatricians and family doctors recommend a yearly flu shot for teens. A review of your child's health record might show they've missed vaccines for meningitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) or human papillomavirus (HPV).

✅ Physical health

Your 17-year-old's checkup will include a full physical exam. Tests might include a lipid profile to check for high cholesterol, and a vision and hearing screening. Depending on your teen's overall health and other factors, the doctor may also test for:

• Anemia (low iron in the blood)

• Tuberculosis

• Hepatitis B

• Sexually transmitted diseases
  

Questions the doctor may ask your teen:

• Have you needed emergency treatment since your last checkup?

• Do you get at least one hour of exercise a day?

• Is it hard to put digital devices down when it's time?

• Do you smoke, vape, or use smokeless tobacco?

• Do you use alcohol or drugs? How often?
  

• How much sleep do you get? Any problems falling or staying asleep?
  
  

✅ Emotional and mental health

Since the body and mind are one system, your teen's mental health will be part of their checkup. The doctor may ask:

• Do you ever feel sad or hopeless? How long does it last?

• Have you ever had thoughts of ending your own life?

• Are you sometimes so anxious or angry that you can't cope with everyday life?

• How do you deal with stress?
  

• Have you ever felt bullied or threatened by anyone?

• Do you get into physical fights sometimes? Does anyone ever hit or hurt you?
  
  

✅ Sexuality

Since many older teens have experimented with sex, topics such as contraception, sexually transmitted diseases and consent become part of regular health checks. Kids who identify as LGBTQ+ may feel awkward talking about sex, especially if they haven't fully come out yet.

Keep in mind that pediatricians and family doctors strive to build trust with kids and help them feel comfortable discussing new issues, including sexual health.

Questions your teen's doctor might ask include:

• Are you sexually active?

• If yes, do you practice safe sex and pregnancy prevention?

• Do you ever feel pressured to have sex? How do you handle it?

• Has anyone ever touched you in a way that felt wrong? How did you protect yourself?

• Do you watch pornography online? Does it change how you feel about sex or your body?
  

✅ Healthy eating

Most 17-year-olds have active, independent lives—which means you may have no idea what they eat or drink on a typical day. Keep in mind that modeling good choices still matters! Remind your teen that healthy eating and limiting ultra-processed "junk" foods helps keeps them fit and ready for life's challenges.

Plan meals and snacks together whenever you can. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy and other healthy choices should fill your family table. Talk to your teen about caffeine and sports or energy drinks that can cause cavities and contribute to unhealthy weight, and how plain water is often the best choice.

The pediatrician might ask your 17-year-old:

• What foods do you love to eat? Any you would NEVER eat?

• Do you skip meals sometimes? How often?

• Do you count calories, carbs or fat when you eat?

• Do you sometimes work out to burn off a big meal?

• Do you drink plenty of water each day?

• Any worries about your weight or body shape?
  
  

✅ Safety

• Online. Older teens need to know about the risks of online predators, porn sites, sexting and more. Digital addiction can be a serious concern, too—as can unsafe use of AI.
  
  
• In their body. Body autonomy is also a crucial concept for all 17-year-olds. Even if your teen has never had sex, they will benefit from an open dialogue with their doctor (and you).
  
  
• At home. Gun safety is an important concern for every family, not just those who own firearms. This is why your pediatrician may ask if your child has access to guns at home or through friends and family. Gun accidents can claim lives and lead to lifelong disabilities, so don't hesitate to talk with other parents about their rules and practices.
  
  
• Away from home. Teens who live near lakes, rivers or beaches need to know the rules of water safety and sunburn prevention. Helmets, pads, mouthguards and other athletic equipment are a must for keeping athletes safe. If your 17-year-old drives, here are positive ways to discuss road safety with them.

Your child's doctor may also ask:

• Do you feel safe in your neighborhood? Why or why not?

• Do you know how to get emergency help for yourself or a friend?

• Do you feel confident saying "no" to something that feels dangerous?
  
  

✅ After your visit: communicating with your child's doctor

Your teen's health is your pediatrician's top priority. When you're worried about a specific issue—from lost sleep to body piercings—talk with your child's doctor. If needed, they can refer you to specialists who focus on the area you're most concerned about. They can also help you find community health resources that will benefit you, your teen and your family.

More information

• 4 ways to help your teen develop a self-care strategy
  

• A parent's guide to teen parties
  

• Next stop, adulthood: how to navigate the journey with your teen

• Your child hears you, even if it seems like they're tuning you out