Preventive healthcare is often neglected by young men, but it is an essential aspect of their overall health. As a healthy teenage boy, visiting the doctor once a year for an annual physical may seem like an unnecessary chore. However, it presents an excellent opportunity to ensure your well-being, get clearance for school, sports, work, or camp. Unfortunately, unless parents remind them, teenage boys and young men tend to avoid these check-ups.

Apart from conducting a physical examination, keeping you updated with necessary immunizations, and filling out relevant forms, the annual physical also allows the doctor to screen for any risk factors that may jeopardize your health. Studies reveal that the adolescent and young adult years are associated with risky behavior such as substance abuse, experimentation with sex, drugs, supplements, reckless driving, and more.