Definition – What is the U12?
The U12 is a preventive examination which, like U1 to U11, is intended to check the regular development of the children. The child is examined and relevant topics at this age are discussed with him/her. The aim is to detect diseases as early as possible and to give the child an understanding of prevention. The preventive examination U12 is often also called J1. This topic could also be interesting for you: Preventive examination for children
When is the U12 performed?
The U12 screening should take place around the 13th birthday of the child. The frame from 12 to 14 years of age is recommended as a possible time span for the examination. It is also called J1 examination, as it should be performed at the beginning of adolescence and puberty.
Which examinations are carried out?
For the U12 examination, the adolescent is examined for previously undiscovered illnesses and possible prevention measures are carried out and supported by interviews. For this purpose he or she is asked about their condition and possible health problems. Questions about school development should shed light on possible social problems and behavioral problems.
In addition, questions should be asked about the state of puberty and a conversation about sexuality and contraception should be conducted. The adolescent should be given enough space for all his or her questions. Finally, the conversation at the beginning of the examination should also deal with his or her health behaviour.
This means that the subject of drugs, smoking and alcohol should also be addressed in order to teach the young person how to handle these substances as responsibly as possible. Just as important in this phase of growing up are the changed perception of one’s own body weight. Adiposity as well as anorexia often develop during this phase of life, which is why special attention should be paid to these diseases in the U12 interview.
A beginning tendency towards such a physical development should be recognized and treated as early as possible. Finally, the young people can also ask questions on all the topics that concern them. It is precisely here that other social problems and questions about their body can be asked.
After the interview, the vaccination status is checked and completed if necessary. Physically, the adolescent will be examined to the extent necessary to rule out the frequent bad posture, heart and lung diseases. In addition, a urine and blood sample is taken to check for inflammation and other diseases. It is intended to rule out chronic diseases of the kidneys, liver and blood-forming bone marrow. This could also be interesting for you: Hormonal contraceptives
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