What To Know About Children’s Wellness Exams. - Ajit Patel Goldshield, Ajit Patel Wellness

An annual well-child exam gives our family physician the opportunity to ensure that our children are developing normally. It also gives you a chance to ask general questions about their health, safety and development, and gives them an opportunity to ask their own questions about their body’s changes.

During a standard annual exam, the physician will take your child’s weight and measurements, perform a complete physical exam and check vitals such as blood pressure. Your child will likely be asked to provide a urine sample to test for abnormalities and to provide a blood test to check for anemia and other conditions, such as tuberculosis. Family health history will be recorded to determine risk of future cardiovascular disease and other ailments. An overall physical exam will study for curvature of the spine and any atypical developments.

Behavioral health will further be considered by your physician. Questions about sleep, appetite, exercise and eating habits will likely be asked, as well as information on personal care and hygiene. The doctor could ask about general behavioral issues, learning problems, or issues at school. Older children may have a personal conversation with the doctor concerning puberty, sexual health, and other teen-age topics.

There are numerous common medical problems experienced by children ages six to 12 that could play a role in the annual exam. Such typical issues include frequent colds, strep throat, bedwetting, trouble sleeping, behavioral concerns, skin infections, persistent cough, asthma, or digestive problems, and gender-specific health concerns like menstruation. If your child is an athlete or otherwise active, that will also need to be shared with your physician, as this could increase risks of bone, muscle or other structural damage.

To prepare for your child’s annual visit and ensure that it is as efficient and beneficial as possible, be able to provide specific information regarding your child’s health. Make a list of any medications taken regularly, including over-the-counter. 

Keep in mind that an annual well-child exam doesn’t end with your family physician. Your family doctor will be able to run bloodwork, check for proper development, and run a physical, but there are several other elements involved in your child’s health and well-being. Annual eye exams as well as regular trips to the dentist are also ideal to maintain all-around wellness. 

Parents are the first line of defense when it comes to their children; the responsibility falls on their shoulders to ensure that they do all they can to keep them well and happy. Undergoing annual wellness exams not only allows parents to be proactive in preventing averse health problems, it also teaches children to take control of their personal health in the future by reinforcing the importance of regular trips to the doctor. Remember: illness or other problems aren’t required to make appointments with physicians. In some cases, following through on annual wellness appointments could make those sick appointments less necessary.

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