Adolescent care: reducing risk and promoting resilience.

Abstract

In summary adolescence is a crucial period in the chronology of health. Most lifelong health choices are decided at this stage and clinicians can help adolescents make healthy choices to ensure a safe, secure future. They also develop skills for the rest of their lives to cope with stress, take care of their bodies, and decide whom to spend time with in meaningful relationships. Preventive health for adolescence stems from the relationship the provider cultivates with the patient and the power that comes from that dynamic relationship to respond to patient needs and promote health throughout the life cycle.