<p>OK, we've all checked (after reading the other thread) on vaccinations for kids about to leave. DragonDaughter has been to her GP, has an eye appointment scheduled for next week, has been to the dentist, and is set with the bank and cell company.<br>
Who else does she need to see? (car isn't going, so no mechanical check-up needed) I asked a friend who's daughter is also about to start freshman year - her daughter was booking one last mani-pedi with her favorite nail place. Not a worry at our house!</p>
<p>Seeing as she's (presumably) 18 now. Perhaps an OBGYN appointment?</p>
<p>Haircut, if hair needs to be cut regularly. 99% chance it won't happen while at school, if your daughter is anything like me...</p>
<p>We just did the OBGYN this a.m.! Wisdom teeth are gone! Shots are up to date! But she still needs get her eyes checked and get a hair appt.</p>
<p>Okay, I am going to ask a stupid question. When should a young woman who is not sexually active start seeing an OB/GYN?</p>
<p>before the start of college or age 18 is good. It is a good chance for young woman to discuss possible future contraceptive plans.</p>
<p>
[quote]
It is a good chance for young woman to discuss possible future contraceptive plans.
[/quote]
And to make sure everything is healthy and give the young woman a chance to ask any questions she may have.</p>
<p>But yes, I've always heard 18 or when sexually active--whichever comes first.</p>
<p>Doctor, dentist, orthodontist, haircut. We finally got a family cellphone and upgraded bank account to include a credit card and ATM card. I hope he's set! The one up in the air thing is that he's been taking a driver's ed class, but we haven't gotten around to getting a leaner's permit. I don't know if there's any real need to rush on actually getting the driver's license, even with the away at college discount, it's bound to cost us more money right? Is he ever going to want to borrow someone else's car? or help drive?</p>
<p>D had a visit with family practitioner this summer where topic was covered. She knows how to use our health plan and has read the student health center's website and what's covered. She's comfortable with that for now.<br>
The hair is another matter - better call today.</p>
<p>It depends. If a teenager is having problems she should see a GYN as soon as possible. Both my D and I have been seeing a GYN since age 16. </p>
<p>Like it or not, guys, this is definately the time to talk about contraception. It was a little embarassing for DD, but she feels comfortable enough with her GYN (and me, thank God) that she was able to make a rational, informed decision.</p>
<p>Can you be absolutely sure your D is not sexually active? Don't make a mistake (or let her make one). It's time to be brave and bring up the subject!</p>
<p>mathmom, I would hope none of his friends would loan a car to a newly licensed driver! And yes, the insurance is a killer even with the away -at - school discount.<br>
On the other hand, if he doesn't get it now, when willl he have the chance?</p>
<p>re: the driver's license, it's absolutely a good idea for him to get it ASAP. You don't have to put him on insurance if he doesn't need to be driving (he just won't be able to drive), but starting out after college with a spotless 4-year driving record can't be a bad thing! A few of my friends have done this, because they/their parents can't afford the insurance.</p>
<p>passport application? might save time later on if study abroad is an option</p>
<p>Yes, my son went ahead and applied for a passport. Re: driver's insurance. My insurance company does not charge us at all for my kids' driving, if enrolled in college 150 or more miles from home, without vehicle. And they are covered for free as occasional drivers when home over the summer or during holidays! Totally cool - saves us well over $1200 a year - since we're just paying for two old fuddy-duddys driving boring cars. ;)</p>
<p>Springfieldmom, no chance (no opportunities)! However, we have been open about everything. She knows about contraceptives if the need should arise, and she has plenty of friends with older sisters who have told her all about steering clear of open containers/not leaving a drink unattended at parties. She is set on all of that. I guess that's why I wondered. Since she hasn't needed it so far, I didn't know if she should just go. I would guess her doctor will discuss it with her at appt. next week. (I had problems as a teen & so went at 14) Thanks for the info.</p>
<p>kelsmom -- I'd still consider an OBGYN appt. even if she is not sexually active. </p>
<p>I had my first one before leaving for college though I wasn't planning to have sex in the immediate future. Heavy bleeding, strong cramps, etc are reasons to visit the gyno and lots of girls experience these. Always good to make sure its not something more serious like endometrosis. </p>
<p>My Gyno said if you aren't having sex and aren't having any issues, then usually people come in for the first time around 18, but at least by 21.</p>
<p>Some girls go to get on BC for convenience and to already be on it for when they decide to have sex later -- makes it easy to rearrange your period to miss beach week or that big formal dance, and when decided to start having sex, it isn't a big deal having to remember to take a pill everyday or worry about how your body would react to BC since they've been on it for a while.</p>
<p>Often times first appts with the gyno if you aren't sexually active don't involve a "full exam" unless there are complications or something. But its good to get to know your doctor before you have that next big step. It was definitely more comforting for me.</p>
<p>Good comments on the subject. I can't believe I just never thought about it until I saw it on this thread. I'm always finding info I can use here!</p>
<p>Appointment to get wisdom teeth checked out? This one seems to really depend on your area of the country. My dentist referred me to a guy once my wisdom teeth were coming in, and I'm getting them pulled later this summer. It's something to look into.</p>
<p>Checked with our ob/gyn, who is a family firend and he said 21, unless sexually active.</p>
<p>AnxiousMom: May I ask who your insurance carrier is? That sounds great, most of D's colleges are at least that far away.</p>
<p>I took advantage of D's sports physical this year to get her started on the HPV shots and to get her Menengitis shot and Tetanus booster. No sense waiting till last minute!! D is a rising senior and had mono this past winter. She started showing symptoms (sore neck, headache, fever) about 4 weeks after spending an All State Music Conference weekend in a hotel w/ about 900 other high schoolers. Before we knew it was mono the panic raced through my head that it could be menengitis and that was enough for me to make sure she had the shot in case she gets chosen again this year!!</p>
<p>The good thing about the mono was it brought to our peds attention many issues she was having w/ her cycle. Things I just kind of brushed off as part of being a teenager ended up being potentially serious issues. Long and short of it is that she does see an OB/GYN now and is under their care. She did not need a full pelvic exam as she is not sexually active but she is on low does BC pills to help her female issues. </p>
<p>So, IDK. I know your friend is Dr but 21 seems quite old for a first visit.</p>