This is the stage of firsts. You’re learning how to take care of yourself, understanding how support and benefits work and building habits to last your lifetime. We’re here to help.
As you start taking more responsibility for your health, this is a great time to learn how your health care works. Talk with a parent, guardian or whoever has helped manage your care about what’s covered under your health plan and the best way to get the care you need. Check out Get More out of Your Benefits for some general information, recommendations and tips.
You can also explore Memorial Hermann’s Health & Wellness Categories for tips and tricks across family, fitness, health, lifestyle and nutrition. You’ll find articles written by our experts, along with recipes, podcasts and more. You can even sign up to receive the latest articles in your inbox. To get you started, we’ve pulled a few articles into the topics in this section.
Starting routine preventive care now can help you stay healthy for decades to come. Below are general guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Work with your primary care physician (PCP) to determine exactly what you need.
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Care |
Frequency/Notes |
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Annual physical exam (aka: your yearly checkup) |
Your physician will review your growth and development, nutrition, activity, sleep and mental health. They’ll track your vital signs, like blood pressure, and may take blood to check your cholesterol, vitamin levels, sugar levels, thyroid function and more. You can also get annual vaccines, including a flu shot, Tetanus shot or booster, and more. The care you need is based on your age and overall health. Discuss with your provider what makes sense for you. |
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Annual gynecological exam |
This exam can be completed by a PCP or pediatrician during your annual checkup, or by a gynecologist. It focuses on your menstrual cycle patterns, birth control needs, safe sex education and overall wellness. |
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Dental exams |
Seeing a dentist every 6 months helps prevent cavities, gum disease and issues with wisdom teeth, which often appear around this age. Regular cleanings and fluoride treatments protect your oral health, which has a huge impact on your overall health. |
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Vision exam |
Vision changes can happen subtly in this age range, especially with increased screen time and studying. Your doctor may conduct a simple vision exam during your annual checkup. Plan to have a more comprehensive exam with an eye doctor every 1 to 2 years—or sooner if you need to review your glasses or contact lens prescription, experience headaches or eye strain or have trouble seeing the classroom board or screens. |
TIP
Choosing a primary care provider (PCP) who you see year after year is key to lifelong health. They get to know you and your history, notice changes over time and help coordinate your care so every specialist you see and treatment plan you receive works together to support your overall well-being. Choosing a PCP that participates in the MH Preferred Tier means you get trusted, world-class care and will typically pay less for services. To find an MH Preferred Tier provider, visit the Memorial Hermann Provider Directory at Aetna.com > Find a doctor. Log into your account and look for the “Maximum Savings” tag. You can also search the Provider Directory on the Aetna Health mobile app.
This is the perfect age to start developing healthy routines that can last a lifetime. Memorial Hermann offers the following support to help you reach your health goals.
Available to employees and family members:
Employees also have access to the following services, available at no cost:
These are big years for growth, change and figuring things out. You’ll have new responsibilities, relationships and pressures that can feel exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. Pay attention to how you’re feeling, sleeping and coping. If you’re anxious, sad or just not feeling like yourself, reach out for help. It’s okay to not be okay, and early conversations can make a big difference.
Available to employees and family members:
Call Spring Health for:
TIP
Spring Health also offers a library of on-demand digital content, including short meditations and exercises to help with stress, focus, burnout, mindfulness, loneliness and more.
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General Support & Guidance |
Crisis Support |
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855.629.0554, press 3 You can also email careteam@springhealth.com |
855.629.0554, press 2 |
Employees also have access to the following services, available at no cost:
In a Crisis?
Don’t wait! Call or text 988 to connect with the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline right away. Text AYUDA for help in Spanish. Immediate support is available 24/7.
Call or text 211 to connect with Texas Health and Human Services to find local resources.
This is the perfect time to start imagining what you want from life and what you need to achieve your goals. Are you focused on continuing your education, finding a career that speaks to you or something else? These resources may be able to help.
Available to employees and family members:
Employees also have access to the following resources:
This is the time to start learning how money works and how to make it work for you. Whether you’re earning your first paycheck, saving for college or managing spending money, it’s time to understand the basics: budgeting, saving and building credit wisely.
Available to employees and family members:
Employees also have access to the following resources: