The J1 examination of your child – that is done
The transition from childhood to adulthood is often a difficult developmental phase. At the J1, your child has the opportunity to get help from the pediatrician. Find out more about the process and the focal points of the J1.
Your child is now between 12 and 14 years old and is in the middle of puberty . It experiences the transition from child to adult. Now it’s time for the J1 examination, which is completely covered by your health insurance company. Your child is at an age when they may prefer to go to the doctor on their own. Respect their wishes, but remind them to take their insurance card and vaccination card with them.
What is examined in the J1 examination?
The J1 examination is about an overview of physical and mental health. In particular, if the additional check – ups U10 and U11 were not taken, it has been a while since a comprehensive health check was carried out. Your child will be examined from head to toe:
- Height and weight: When measuring and weighing, the doctor can also make sure that you are not overweight or underweight. If it does, he tries to get to the bottom of the causes and offers help with tips on nutrition and exercise.
- Blood pressure: In adolescents, the normal value is 120/80 mmHg.
- (Genital) organs: The internal organs are palpated at the J1 and the sexual organs are examined to assess the physical status of puberty.
- Skeleton and muscles: A thorough check of the skeleton and muscles is also important. Sometimes growth spurts lead to poor posture, which can be discovered and treated early with J1.
- Sensory organs: Hearing and vision are tested.
- Blood and urine tests: In addition to a urine sample, your child may also have to provide a blood sample, for example to determine liver and kidney values.
- Skin: The doctor examines the complexion and prescribes appropriate preparations for problems with skin impurities.
Otherwise, the vaccination protection is checked and any booster vaccinations are carried out. In addition to the physical checks, the doctor also takes time for the mental state of your child.
Opportunity for confidential discussion at the J1 investigation
The pediatrician knows your child from an early age – he is no longer the pediatrician but the adolescent doctor and acts as a confidant. During the J1 examination, your child can talk to the doctor he or she trusts about anything that may be on his mind: sexuality and contraception, drugs, but also possible difficulties at home or with friends. Your child will receive competent answers to all their questions and can be sure that the conversation will remain confidential.
In addition to the J1, there is now another optional check-up, the J2 . It is carried out when your child is about 16 or 17 years old.