Adolescent Medicine

Adolescent Medicine is an area of special interest of Dr. Miles and he sees the adolescent patients at our office. During his residency after medical school, Dr. Miles received specialized training in Adolescent Medicine and helped further develop this portion of the curriculum in his residency program.

Dr. Miles is a regional healthcare provider for adolescents and treats patients not just from Newnan but those residing in over a dozen different counties. Dr. Miles has been a long-term member of the Society for Adolescent Medicine as well as a community advocate and speaker on Adolescent Healthcare.

Adolescence can be defined as the period of dramatic physical and psychological growth and development from puberty to maturity. Adolescence often begins around age 9 years and continues through college. Adolescent Medicine is centered around the care of these individuals. The primary focus at our office is on prevention. We aim to uncover problems before they surface and implement the steps needed to prevent future problems.

An annual Wellness Exam is the best way for us to get to know your child and search for any problems. At the Wellness Exam we review previous health history, discuss any problems that you or your child may be having, counsel extensively on safety and healthy habits, give appropriate vaccinations, perform a thorough physical examination, and interview your child with you and then again separately and confidentially.

The confidential interview is one of the most important parts of the Wellness Exam and we start this at around age 12 and conduct it in an age appropriate fashion. It gives your child an opportunity to discuss any sensitive concerns they have with a responsible adult who will not judge or punish them. Please respect their privacy, so your child may continue to trust us. You should know that we are here to help you raise your child to become a healthy, safe, and responsible adult and that we promote the same strong values that you probably also believe in. If you have any specific concerns you would like us to address with your child please let us know. Again, we are here to help you and your child.

Some of the more common health issues we treat or address with adolescents include: acne, menstrual irregularities, growth and development issues, obesity, birth control (not requiring a pelvic exam or Pap,) depression, ADD/ADHD, sprains and strains, STDs, special lab screenings, and many illnesses, injuries, and other conditions. We can also fill out your child’s Sports Physical form at the Wellness Exam visit, if needed.

The Top Things to keep your Pre-Teen or Teen Safe and Healthy

1. Be a role model - your children do watch you and try to emulate you.

2. Keep lines of communication open. Talk with them, not just to them. Let them know you care about them.

3. Openly disapprove of risky behaviors and let them know why. Don't assume they already know.

4. Be aware of what other Teens and Pre-Teens are doing. Don't think that your child is immune to problems commonly seen in adolescence.

5. Take your Pre-Teen or Teen for yearly Wellness Exams to a doctor who is experienced and comfortable treating Adolescents. Don't let a Sports Physical at the school or a walk-in clinic take the place of a true Wellness Exam (although both can be easily done at the same time at our office.)