Reader's story: Alternative medicine

"Many communities have youth clinics, which offer an intermediate transition from the pediatric to the adult health-care system."

By Hannah, Vancouver, B.C.

June 2009

Share your stories with us at letters@canadianliving.com.

Thank you for your article "Going Solo" (March) about youth health care. As a nurse practitioner experienced in adolescent medicine, I would encourage parents to introduce their children to their local youth clinic. Many young people do not feel comfortable seeing the same health-care provider as their parents.

As an alternative, many communities have youth clinics, which offer an intermediate transition from the pediatric to the adult health-care system. At these clinics, youths are offered extensive health education (including nutritionists and counsellors) in a confidential environment from staff experienced in adolescent health care.

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