Don’t just come to the doctor when you are sick! Bringing your child in for a yearly health check-up is one of the best ways to keep him or her as healthy as possible. Physical health is a key factor in young children’s proper growth and readiness for school.
Why is a yearly health check-up so important?
A complete physical at least once a year can help detect any potential health issues early enough to begin treatment. Early intervention is often key in successfully treating and/or curing many ailments. This includes staying up-to-date on essential and potentially life-saving vaccinations.
As well, routine physical exams build your child’s medical history, which provides the doctor with a total picture of his or her progress and development over time. Keeping records of your child’s past illnesses and injuries can help the doctor detect emerging problems.
In addition, your child’s pediatrician will provide useful age-related wellness advice and guidance for your child, as well as answer any questions you have during this appointment. This type of information from your child’s doctor can serve to raise your awareness of any “red flags” you should be watching for. Implementing the pediatrician’s advice, such as diet and exercise tips, will help your child stay healthy and fit.
Having a good relationship with your pediatrician is important for your child’s overall health and well-being. The yearly check-up is typically a much more relaxed visit since your child is feeling healthy as opposed to when he or she is feeling ill. As such, the annual check-up appointment is a good way to help your child feel more comfortable about going to the doctor when illness strikes.
What can I expect at my child’s yearly health check-up?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) developed a set of comprehensive health guidelines for well-child care, called Bright Futures, for pediatricians to follow.
Each well-child visit has an age-appropriate pre-visit questionnaire. You can click on the link that corresponds to your child’s age to have a resource to help you prepare for your child’s visit. The questions focus on developmental milestones, nutrition, safety, your child and family’s emotional well-being, and recommendations from the AAP.
To set up a time for your child’s annual physical exam or if you have any questions, please give us a call at 912-871-HUGS (4847).