Well child visits (or checkups) are important- even when children are healthy. Well child checkups will help to keep your child healthy.
With the help of regular well child visits, your child’s doctor can often detect and address health problems before they become more serious.
Your child’s personal doctor will evaluate your child’s general health, growth and development. Your child’s personal doctor will also give you information and give your child needed medical services, such as:
- Health exams
- Tests, such as vision, hearing and lab services
- Shots (vaccinations)
- Lead screening (children under 3 years or as needed for older children)
- Tracking growth and development
- Medical referrals to specialists, if needed
With the help of regular well child visits, your child’s doctor can often detect and address health problems before they become more serious.
Your children’s personal doctor will review your child’s health and family history. Well child visits let you and your child get to know the doctor and the doctor can get to know you and your child. The doctor will keep your child’s medical record.
Ask your questions…these visits are the time to ask and receive information about:
- Health and safety
- Nutrition and diet
- Physical fitness and general healthcare
- Sleep habits
- Growth and development
- Behavior and discipline
- Problems such as emotional, socialization, learning, or concerns about family problems or about puberty and teenage years
An exam when your child is sick is focused on the illness or problem and your doctor will not likely have as much time to do a full exam. Your child will get a complete exam at the well child visit. Make your appointment right away!
