Why Annual Wellness Visits Still Matter for Older Kids & Teens
Once kids move past the early childhood years, it can feel like annual wellness visits aren’t as important; especially if they’re not due for vaccines. But for older children and teenagers, these visits are just as critical, even if no shots are needed.
According to guidance from HealthyChildren.org (the American Academy of Pediatrics’ parent resource), wellness visits during the school-age and teen years play a huge role in keeping kids healthy physically, emotionally, and socially.
Monitoring for Potential Health Issues
Even when kids seem healthy, annual wellness visits allow providers to monitor growth and development over time and catch potential concerns early. These visits may include:
Tracking growth patterns, blood pressure, and BMI
Screening for vision, hearing, and scoliosis
Identifying early signs of conditions like anemia, high cholesterol, asthma, or hormonal concerns
Early detection means earlier support and often simpler, more effective treatment. Many parents combine their adolescent or teenager’s sports physical with their annual visit, eliminating an extra visit.
Supporting Mental & Emotional Health adolescence
Adolescence is a time of big changes. Annual visits give kids and teens a safe, confidential space to talk about:
Stress, anxiety, or mood changes
School pressures and peer relationships
Sleep habits and energy levels
Pediatricians and family medicine providers are trained to screen for early signs of depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns and to connect families with resources when needed.
Healthy Screen Time Habits
HealthyChildren.org emphasizes that screen time can impact sleep, mood, physical activity, and academic performance. Wellness visits are a great time to:
Review screen time limits
Talk about social media use and online safety
Discuss how screens affect sleep and focus
Your child’s provider can help families set realistic, age-appropriate boundaries and share tools to support healthier tech habits.
Conversations About Alcohol, Smoking & Vaping
As kids get older, exposure to alcohol, cigarettes, and vaping increases even if parents don’t see it happening. During wellness visits, providers:
Ask age-appropriate questions in a nonjudgmental way
Educate teens about the risks of alcohol, smoking, vaping, and other substances
Reinforce family values around safety and decision-making
These early, ongoing conversations are proven to reduce risky behaviors over time.
Reinforcing Healthy Habits Together
Even when everything seems “fine,” annual visits help build a trusting relationship between your child and their healthcare provider. That relationship makes it easier for kids and teens to speak up when something isn’t fine.
Your pediatrician or family medicine provider isn’t just checking height and weight; they’re partnering with your family to reinforce healthy habits, answer questions, and provide trusted resources tailored to your child’s age and needs.
Wellness visits aren’t just about vaccines. They’re about prevention, guidance, and support, especially during the important growing years of childhood and adolescence. If it’s been a while since your older child or teen had a wellness visit, now is a great time to get back on track and schedule one.
Seeing an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) is an important part of women’s healthcare at every stage of life. OB/GYNs specialize in reproductive, hormonal, and gynecologic health, offering preventive care, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide range of concerns. Regular visits can help detect problems early, manage symptoms effectively, and support overall well-being.
Routine Preventive Care
Even when you feel healthy, regular OB/GYN visits are essential. Preventive care helps identify potential issues before they become serious.
Common preventive services include:
Pelvic exams
Pap smears and HPV screening
Breast exams
Contraception counseling
Menstrual health evaluation
These visits also provide an opportunity to discuss changes in your body, sexual health, and lifestyle concerns in a safe, confidential setting.
Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
Abnormal bleeding is one of the most common reasons women seek gynecologic care. This may include:
Bleeding between periods
Very heavy menstrual flow
Periods lasting longer than usual
Bleeding after sex
Bleeding after menopause
Abnormal bleeding can be caused by hormonal imbalances, fibroids, polyps, infections, or other underlying conditions. An OB/GYN can determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Severe Menstrual Cramps or Pelvic Pain
While mild cramping during menstruation is common, severe or debilitating pain is not normal and should not be ignored.
You should see an OB/GYN if cramps:
Interfere with daily activities or work
Do not improve with over-the-counter pain medication
Are accompanied by heavy bleeding, nausea, or dizziness
Conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease may be responsible and often require medical evaluation.
Irregular or Missed Periods
Changes in your menstrual cycle can signal hormonal imbalances or other health concerns. An OB/GYN can help if you experience:
Missed periods
Very irregular cycles
Extremely frequent periods
Sudden changes in cycle length
These issues may be related to stress, thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), weight changes, or other medical conditions.
Vaginal Discomfort, Pain, or Discharge
Symptoms such as itching, burning, unusual discharge, or pain during intercourse should be evaluated by an OB/GYN. These symptoms may indicate:
Yeast infections
Bacterial vaginosis
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Vaginal dryness or hormonal changes
Early diagnosis helps prevent complications and ensures proper treatment.
Birth Control and Family Planning
OB/GYNs play a key role in helping women choose the right birth control method based on their health, lifestyle, and reproductive goals. They can also assist with:
Managing side effects from contraception
Planning for pregnancy
Preconception counseling
Fertility concerns
Personalized guidance can help women make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
OB/GYN visits are essential before, during, and after pregnancy. Prenatal care supports the health of both mother and baby, while postpartum visits address recovery, mental health, and family planning after childbirth.
Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause are natural stages of life, but the hormonal changes that occur during this time can significantly affect physical, emotional, and sexual health. Perimenopause, the transition period leading up to menopause, can begin years before periods stop completely and often causes unpredictable symptoms.
Women should consider seeing an OB/GYN during perimenopause or menopause if they experience:
Irregular or skipped periods
Hot flashes or night sweats
Mood changes, anxiety, or depression
Sleep disturbances or fatigue
Vaginal dryness or pain with intercourse
Changes in libido
Urinary symptoms or recurrent infections
An OB/GYN can help distinguish normal hormonal changes from other medical conditions, discuss lifestyle strategies, and offer treatment options. Ongoing gynecologic care during menopause is also important for bone health, heart health, and cancer screening, helping women stay healthy and comfortable as their bodies change.
Seeing an OB/GYN is not only for pregnancy it is a vital part of lifelong healthcare for women. From routine screenings to addressing abnormal bleeding, severe cramps, and other gynecologic concerns, OB/GYNs help women stay informed, healthy, and empowered. If something doesn’t feel right, trusting your instincts and scheduling a visit can make a meaningful difference in your health and peace of mind.
If you are looking for gynecologic or obstetric care, consider scheduling an appointment with one of Lakeview Clinic’s OB/GYN physicians. Click on the provider below to learn more about each member of our OB/GYN team!
To better understand the concept of incontinence, it is first pertinent to understand the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is made of muscles, ligaments, tendons and connective tissue that extend from one end of the pelvis to the other. They help support the bladder, rectum, and uterus and can play a part in bowel and bladder control, sexual function, as well as posture. Incontinence can occur when these muscles are weakened or injured and is the most common cause in adults. There are two main types of incontinence, stress and urge.
Stress Incontinence
Most common cause of incontinence among females
Symptoms generally include urinary leakage when coughing, sneezing, or anything that increases the pressure on the bladder. Often, this can be from pregnancy or previous surgery leaving a weakened pelvic floor.
The treatment includes strengthening this group of muscles and tissue. This is where a group of exercises, known as Kegels, can help. These exercises focus on contracting and relaxing those deep core muscles to help better control the bladder. For better results, do these often throughout the day.
-If the Kegel exercises do not help, the next step is typically pelvic floor physical therapy. This is a program available at Ridgeview, Twin Cities Orthopedics, or OSR where the patient works with a skilled physical therapist to target these muscles and improve outcomes. To learn more about this, please ask your primary care provider.
Urge Incontinence
As the bladder fills, it stretches to make room for more urine. When the bladder is about half full you feel the need to use the restroom. A healthy bladder can hold up to 600mls of urine so most people can hold on after this initial feeling until it’s convenient. However, people who experience urge incontinence get a strong feeling to urinate even when the bladder isn’t full and cannot hold it.
These symptoms can be common in a condition called overactive bladder. Causes of overactive bladder can be urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, enlarged prostates, constipation, damage to the nerves in conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS), strokes or from spinal cord trauma.
Some aggravating factors include caffeine, sodas or teas that can irritate the bladder wall. The first step in treating this condition includes reducing the aggravating factors, if possible, such as limiting or eliminating the caffeine intake or avoiding certain carbonated beverages.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can have benefits with this type of incontinence as well and is a good option for those trying to avoid medications. Timed toileting is another way to reduce urinary leakage. It works best if you set an alarm or timer in intervals (i.e. every 2 hours) to use the bathroom to avoid over distending the bladder.
– There are medications that can help with some of these symptoms, although this depends on the underlying cause. Common medications include Oxybutynin, Mirabegron (Myrbetriq) or Vibegron (Gemtesa). There are also more specialized options available by the urologist such as Botox injections. Please talk with your primary provider for more information.
Incontinence issues can be addressed by a variety of Lakeview Clinic medical providers including Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and OB/GYN providers. If you struggle with this common issue, be sure to inform your primary care provider. They are here to help!
Dr. Walter is an Internal Medicine physician who has special interests in chronic disease management such as diabetes, heart failure, and hypertension. She also provides point of care ultrasound services.
When Does Medical Insurance (Rather than Vision Insurance) Cover Eye Exams
The health of your eyes is closely linked to the health of the rest of your body. Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, and even brain tumors can manifest in the eyes before symptoms appear elsewhere.
Many people are surprised to learn that medical insurance (not just vision insurance) can cover eye exams when they are related to medical issues. Coverage details may vary depending on the specific plan, so it’s important to check with your insurer for information about co-pays, referrals, or specialist visits.
Conditions That Typically Qualify for Medical Coverage:
Diabetes: Annual dilated eye exams are recommended and usually covered due to the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
High Blood Pressure: If signs of hypertensive damage are suspected, a medical eye exam may be covered.
Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
Some autoimmune diseases and treatments like hydroxychloroquine can put patients at increased risk of eye conditions such as dry eye, scleritis, uveitis and maculopathy. In such cases, eye exams may be considered medically necessary and thus covered under medical insurance rather than vision insurance. Eye exams coverage often depends on the specific insurance plan and the medical necessity of the exam.
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): The diagnosis and treatment of amblyopia, especially in children, is often covered as it is considered a medically necessary condition. Coverage may include eye exams, vision therapy, and corrective lenses, though specific benefits vary by provider and plan.
Iritis: The diagnosis and treatment of iritis, including doctor visits, prescription eye drops (like corticosteroids), and any necessary follow-up care are often covered as medically necessary.
Glaucoma: Once diagnosed or suspected, regular monitoring is considered medically necessary.
Macular Degeneration: Medical visits for monitoring and treatment are covered.
Eye Injuries or Infections: These are acute issues that require medical attention and are typically billed to health insurance. Whether caused by accidents, trauma, or underlying health conditions, eye injuries can lead to serious complications such as vision loss, infection, or long-term disability if left untreated.
Sudden Vision Changes, Eye Pain or Vision Loss: If you experience a sudden change or loss in your vision, such as blurred vision, flashes of light, floaters, or partial or complete vision loss, it’s important to see an eye doctor right away. These symptoms can signal serious conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma, or even stroke, which require immediate attention to prevent permanent damage. Most medical insurance plans cover exams for these issues and treatment since the visit isn’t considered routine vision care.
Verifying Coverage with Your Medical Insurer
If your eye exam is prompted by a health concern or an existing medical condition, your visit may be billed to your medical insurance rather than your vision plan. If you have an unmet deductible, the cost of the exam will apply to your deductible, and you’ll receive a bill for the amount contracted with your insurance company. Your insurer should be able to tell you if you’ve met your deductible and/or what amount is still needed to meet that deductible.
Lakeview Clinic recommends always verifying your benefits with your insurance company. A Vision Benefit Verification Checklist is available on our website to assist you with obtaining the appropriate information from your insurance company. Coverage details vary depending on the specific plan, so it’s important to check with your insurance company for information about coverage, co-pays, referrals, or specialist visits.
The Value of an Experienced Eye Doctor
Choosing an eye doctor who prioritizes comprehensive health screening, not just vision correction, is crucial. Optometrists and ophthalmologists who are well-versed in systemic health conditions can detect early warning signs and coordinate with your primary care physician or specialists. Lakeview Clinic Optometrists can easily view information in your medical chart and communicate with your primary care physician when needed. This is an added benefit of our comprehensive care approach! In addition, your primary care doctor can easily see your eye exam chart and concerns raised by your Lakeview Optometrist.
So, while you may pay more for an eye exam at a medical clinic, consider a high-quality eye exam as an investment in not only your vision, but your overall health as well. Our team is experienced and works hard to ensure patients receive premium care at every visit.
When it comes to men’s health, too many issues go undiagnosed or undertreated; not because they’re uncommon, but because they’re uncomfortable to talk about. Topics like erectile dysfunction (ED), hair loss, low testosterone, obesity, and other personal health concerns can be difficult to bring up, but they are far more common than most men realize. More importantly, these symptoms may signal deeper health issues that shouldn’t be ignored.
Lakeview Clinic primary care providers (PCPs) are here to listen, understand, and help you take a proactive, comprehensive approach to your health with discretion, compassion, and the highest standard of evidence-based care.
These Issues Are Common and Worth Talking About
Erectile dysfunction, fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, thinning hair; these are all topics that men frequently bring to specialists, online clinics, or avoid entirely. But many of these symptoms can be linked to larger medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or depression. For example, ED isn’t just a quality-of-life issue; it’s often one of the earliest warning signs of heart disease.
That’s why it’s so important to talk openly with your PCP. We don’t just treat symptoms, we look for the root cause; taking your entire health history into account. You should never feel embarrassed to discuss these topics. We’ve heard it all, and our priority is always your health, not judgment.
Why See Your Primary Care Provider First?
In today’s world, it’s easy to turn to direct-to-consumer options or specialists who focus on a narrow piece of the puzzle. While these services can sometimes be helpful, they often lead to fragmented care, which can overlook important interactions between medications, chronic conditions, or family history.
Your primary care provider knows you. We know your medical history, current medications, and overall health profile.
This allows us to:
Identify potential underlying conditions contributing to symptoms
Ensure treatments (like testosterone replacement therapy or hair loss medications) are safe and appropriate
Monitor for side effects or interactions with other treatments
Coordinate care across specialties when needed
Keep your long-term health goals in focus
At Lakeview Clinic, our approach to men’s health is comprehensive, connected, and evidence based. We don’t treat symptoms in isolation; we treat people as a whole.
Prioritizing Your Health, Without the Stigma
We understand that men often feel pressure to “tough it out” or keep personal health struggles to themselves. But ignoring symptoms won’t make them go away, and it can cost you in quality of life and long-term health.
By engaging with your primary care provider early, you’re not only addressing your immediate concerns, you’re investing in your future well-being. From preventive screenings to managing chronic disease, including everything from mental health to sexual health, we’re here to help you live your healthiest life.
Lakeview Clinic Is Here for You
At Lakeview Clinic, we believe every patient deserves trusted, respectful, and high-quality care. We’re proud to be your first stop for men’s health issues, no matter how personal they may seem. Our team is ready to work with you to develop a plan that fits your needs, supports your goals, and keeps your health on track.
Don’t wait for a problem to become an emergency. Schedule a visit with your Lakeview Clinic provider today and take the first step toward better health with a partner you can trust every step of the way.
Let us help you live the healthiest life possible!
Lakeview Primary Care Providers
Use the links below to learn about Lakeview Family Medicine and Internal Medicine Primary Care providers. You can view profiles of each provider and learn about their entire care team. The clinic locations of where each practices is also listed.
