THE J1 IS A HEALTH CHECK AND ADVICE SERVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
You are between 12 and 14 years old. Puberty is triggering a lot of changes in you at the moment. At the J1 adolescent health check, you can find out whether everything is fine with you and your body. It's about your body and how you feel. Everything you discuss will be kept confidential. This means that your doctor is not allowed to disclose anything without your consent. You can go to the appointment alone or take your parents with you. Some people bring a friend with them to the practice.
You will need
- your health insurance card,
- your vaccination record,
- the yellow child examination booklet (if available, but not mandatory),
- the completed questionnaire (if the practice sent one to you beforehand).
This is how the examination goes
The J1 takes about half an hour and consists of four parts.
- The discussion about how you are feeling.
- The physical examination.
- Talking through the examination results and advice if you have any questions.
- The vaccination check.
The exact order may vary, as there's no set structure.
Before the medical examination
You'll usually be given a questionnaire to fill in beforehand. It's about your body, your feelings, your free time, any questions or worries that are on your mind. You can answer the questions in peace and quiet in the waiting room or at home.
The J1 usually includes a urine test. You can use a sample cup in the practice toilet for this. Urine samples show how your kidneys and metabolism are functioning.
The discussion
J1 includes a talk with the doctor. You can decide whether to go alone or have someone accompany you. The doctor will be keen to hear about how you're feeling physically and emotionally and what questions or problems you have. You can talk openly about anything that's on your mind, even if you think it would be embarrassing. Everything stays between you, and it might be good to talk about things that you wouldn't otherwise want to tell or ask anyone.
The physical examination
Your height, weight and blood pressure will usually be measured by the practice staff.
The doctor will listen to your heart and lungs while you are sitting or standing, at the front of your chest and at the back. You don't need to do anything except breathe normally.
Your tummy will be carefully palpated around the navel area, usually while you're lying down. Sometimes organs are also examined by tapping on the torso. You will be asked if anything hurts when you're palpated and tapped. You can lie there completely relaxed.
With your consent, a short check is carried out down below. Many young people find this very unpleasant. The doctor will of course be fully aware of this too. Which is why this is a very discreet, brief look at your external genitalia. Or you can talk about it during the discussion.
You will be asked to take a few steps or perform a few movements to check your spine, muscles and joints. You can also mention what sports you do.
Skin is a common focus area at the J1. Skin function changes during puberty and spots can appear. If you've noticed anything unusual about your skin, please feel free to bring this up during the examination so that it can be looked at.
An eye test or hearing test might also be carried out.
Advice and discussion of the results
The doctor will discuss the results of the tests with you. Feel free to ask any questions you may have about this or any other topics that have been raised previously. These may include topics such as fears, worries, your gender, sexuality or drugs. The doctor may not be able to offer immediate solutions to all issues, but he or she will know whom you can approach with a problem. With your consent, your parents or legal guardians will be informed about the J1 results.
The vaccination check
The doctor will look at your vaccination record during the J1. Your vaccination status will be checked. If you've missed a vaccination, you can seek advice at the J1.
It's about you and your health
Treat yourself to a health check! If everything is fine, you'll go home feeling good. If you're unsure whether something is wrong with your body or your feelings, the J1 examination will give you the opportunity to talk about it. Do bear in mind, though, that you can always see a doctor separately to the J1. You can make an appointment at any time.
This is what the J1 is for:
- Unhappy with your weight, have skin imperfections or other physical problems? Talk to the doctor about these things at the J1.
- Media consumption, alcohol, cigarettes or drugs causing you problems? You can talk about anything and everything at the J1. There's no need to feel uncomfortable or embarrassed.
- Perhaps you're under stress at school, at home or in your friendship group? Have you been finding it difficult to fall asleep or sleep through the night recently? Then bring it up at the J1!
- Got questions about sexual development, love, sex or contraception? Be brave and open up at the J1. The doctor will keep his or her duty of confidentiality.
- Keen to build muscle but unsure as to how and whether it's healthy? The doctor will be happy to advise you.
- Want to do something good for your body? You can pick up a few tips at the J1.
When to attend the J1?
Find out when your J1 is due! Make an appointment straight away or allow us to remind you to call the practice.
You don't have to worry about the J1 yet.
Could you be eligible for the U11 examination now or soon?
This is a health check for children between the ages of 9 and 10, but not all health insurance companies cover it.
Your paediatrician will know whether your health insurance covers it.
The J1 is no longer an option for you as it's a service for anyone between the ages of 12 and 14.
Could you be eligible for the J2 examination now or soon?
This is a health check for anyone between the ages of 16 and 17, but not all health insurance companies cover it.
Your paediatric practice will know whether your health insurance covers it.
You are an adult, so you are no longer eligible for health checks as a child or adolescent.
You can contact your GP practice at any time if you have any health questions.
Where to attend the J1?
Enter your postcode here and find paediatric medical practices near you
ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE J1?
Do I have to take all my clothes off?
No, you will only be asked to loosen or remove some clothing briefly for a few examinations, e.g. so that your tummy can be palpated. With your consent, we will also take a quick look at your genital area. You won't have to take off your underwear for this.
Will I be vaccinated at the J1?
It depends! The vaccination check will look at which of the vaccinations recommended for your age you have already had. You can be vaccinated against HPV between the ages of 9 and 14. Your parents will need to be involved in the decision process for this.
Is a blood test always taken?
No, a blood test isn't always necessary. It will only be done if any clarification is required due to the examination, the discussion or any illnesses in your family. If it is necessary, your doctor will discuss this with you.
What is examined in boys?
J1 is actually the same for boys and girls. The only difference is in terms of pubertal development. In boys, the voice already reveals a lot, as the change in voice pitch begins along with puberty. In boys, the development of the penis and testicles is checked. This is entirely optional. You can find out more about sexual development here.
What is examined in girls?
J1 is actually the same for boys and girls. The only difference is in terms of pubertal development. Girls are asked about their periods, for example. The age at which these start can vary significantly. However, there's no examination like in a gynaecologist's practice. Breast development or pubic hair is also looked at. This is entirely optional. You can find out more about sexual development here.
Do I have to answer all the doctor's questions?
The J1 examination is voluntary. Meaning you aren't obliged to answer questions. Please tell the doctor if you find something embarrassing. The J1 is an opportunity to talk about you and your body in confidence.
I don't want to go to J1! Do I still have to go?
No, you don't have to. However, there are many benefits of having a J1 examination and it's no different to the U examinations that you had in childhood. It will let you know whether everything is OK. You can ask all the questions you want. And you'll get answers that are specific to you. Still unsure? Why don't you ask your friends what it was like for them?
Why is a urine sample taken?
Urine can provide evidence of kidney or bladder diseases. Metabolic diseases such as diabetes can also be checked.
Can I bring the urine sample from home?
Some practices provide sterile sample cups to enable you to produce a urine sample at home, but transport time can be a problem. The urine sample will no longer be usable for testing after a few hours because it changes over time. Please ask at reception what you should look out for.
Have any questions that aren't featured here?
Feel free to get in touch with us directly by sending an email to J1-info@bzga.de or by using the contact form.
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