When you think of high risk behaviors in teens, alcohol and drug use may come to mind. Yet, there are others that may surprise you. How about lack of nutrition? Or physical inactivity?

“Adolescence is a difficult time for children and for their parents,” said Stacie Rougas, M.D., who specializes in adolescent medicine with OU Physicians. “Teenagers are no longer children and yet they are not yet adults either.”

That simple fact has led to the emergence of a relatively new medical specialty– adolescent medicine.

“There are so many aspects of change in these critical years,” Rougas noted. “There are developmental changes and changing health care needs as well. Our focus is on addressing both the routine and complex health issues that emerge as these children transition into adulthood.”

Board certified in both internal medicine and pediatrics, Rougas and her colleagues at OU Physicians Adolescent Medicine offer comprehensive health care to young people between the ages of 13 and 21. Adolescent medicine specialists handle school, camp, sports and routine physical exams and immunizations. They also evaluate and manage growth and puberty concerns, including acne, breast and menstrual problems, short stature and delayed development.

“If problems with substance use or abuse arise, whether it is alcohol, drugs or tobacco,” said Rougas, “we can consult with our colleagues in psychiatry or psychology to help address them.”

Nutrition and physical inactivity can also be a concern among teenagers today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 80% of young people do not eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. Nearly half of youths aged 12-21 are not vigorously active on a regular basis. Nine million youth in this country are overweight. “An adolescent medicine specialist can help evaluate and manage not only weight control problems, but also eating disorders and other nutritional concerns,” Rougas added.

Doctors who specialize in adolescent medicine can also help teens with stress management and are trained in the evaluation and treatment of learning and school difficulties, including attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.

“This was just what we needed,” said the mother of one of Rougas’ teenaged patients. “It is so nice to have found a physician who is able to help us better understand and deal with the many health issues that seem to arise in adolescence.”