What Do You Know About Teen Health?

Test your knowledge of what it takes to be a healthy teen.

1. At what age does the adolescent growth spurt usually begin for girls?

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The growth spurt in girls typically occurs two years earlier than in boys, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Body parts may grow at different rates, and teens often appear clumsy and feel awkward during this period.

A. 9 B. 10 C. 11 D. 12

2. How much calcium per day does an adolescent need?

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Both boys and girls need a calcium-rich diet during their teen years to ensure they store up enough calcium in their bones, says the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

A. 900 mg B. 1,000 mg C. 1,200 mg D. 1,300 mg

3. Routine physical examinations should be done how often during the teen years?

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A physician should monitor adolescent growth and development.

A. Annually B. Every two years C. Every three years D. Every four years

4. What immunizations should teenagers have?

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The Tdap booster is recommended for teens at ages 11 to 12. Teens 13 to 18 who missed getting the Tdap booster at ages 11 to 12 should also receive it. Those who received a tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster at ages 11 to 12 should receive Tdap for additional protection against pertussis, as long as at least five years have elapsed since receiving the last tetanus containing vaccine—although a shorter interval may be used, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Teens should also get a "catch-up" immunization for measles, mumps, and rubella, and chickenpox, if they missed a recommended dose in childhood.

A. Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster(Tdap) B. Polio C. Hepatitis A D. Mononucleosis

5. Which eye problem typically gets worse during adolescence?

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Nearsightedness, or myopia, usually starts in childhood and then gets progressively worse during the teen years, according to experts at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. The progression usually eases up by the time a person reaches his or her mid-20s.

A. Farsightedness B. Nearsightedness C. Cataracts D. None of the above

6. Anabolic steroids, though illegal, are still used by adolescent athletes to enhance athletic performance. Which of these groups is most likely to use them?

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According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 1.5 percent of eighth graders and 1.8 percent of 10th graders have used anabolic steroids. Among high school seniors, the figure is 2.2 percent.

A. Boys younger than 15 B. Girls younger than 15 C. Boys 16 to 18 D. Girls 16 to 18

7. Which of these may be signs of alcohol or drug abuse?

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They may also be symptoms of illness. Check for drug paraphernalia, and have your pediatrician examine the teenager to rule out other possible causes.