We all want to keep our children healthy and provide them with the best care possible. That’s why ensuring they get effective medical care through regular wellness checkups can help to give them the best start in life.
Regular wellness checkups with a board-certified pediatrician are an important part of maintaining your child’s overall health. These routine appointments are recommended at key stages throughout your child’s life and aim to assess your child’s health and development and catch health issues early on– before uncomfortable symptoms and complications set in and when they are likely to be easier to treat.
The Importance of Wellness Visits
Wellness checkups are a crucial part of preventative health care and are recommended even when your child isn’t sick or experiencing any symptoms. When your child has their wellness visit, they are given a routine examination and their immunizations (when required).
It is important that your child attends every scheduled visit to make sure that they are growing and developing normally and that any concerns can be spotted and treated early on. It also safeguards your child by ensuring their vaccinations stay on track in order to protect them from potentially life-threatening illnesses.
At each visit, your child’s pediatrician will carry out an examination to assess their health and development. Child development includes physical, emotional, intellectual, and social changes. Your child’s doctor can help you understand how your child is developing and learning to do new things, often referred to as developmental milestones, such as learning to walk and talk. It is important to remember that all children grow and develop differently and that some will take longer than others. Your child’s doctor will ask you about the new things your child is learning to do and offer guidance, as needed.
These visits are a great way to raise any concerns or questions you have about your child’s health or development. It is important to seek help and guidance early if you have concerns, as some issues such as behavioral problems and learning disabilities can get worse as time goes on.
What To Do Before Each Doctor Visit
It is useful to go prepared to each wellness checkup. Here are some things to think about before your child’s next doctor’s visit.
Write Down Questions and Concerns in Advance
If you have any questions or concerns about your child, such as regarding their development, behavior, sleeping or eating habits, or getting along with siblings, your pediatrician is a good place to start. This is because they have extensive knowledge and experience and can offer help and support in a wide range of areas. It can help to take a list of your questions with you, as there can be distractions and lots to talk about at the checkup, which can make it difficult to remember questions on the spot.
Record Successes and Milestones
Wellness checkups are a perfect time to share any successes or milestones that your child has had since their last visit. Try to record any memorable moments and when they occurred to take along to the visit. For example, when they first stood without holding on to something, when they first used a spoon or kicked a ball, or when they first wrote their name. This helps the doctor gain a clearer picture of how your child is developing.
Prepare Your Child for Their Visit
Before your scheduled appointment, it is beneficial to prepare your child for their visit. For some children, visiting a doctor’s office or clinical environment can be a daunting experience. By letting your child know what to expect, it can help put them at ease and to get the most out of their visit. At each wellness checkup, the doctor will carry out an exam, depending on your child’s age, this may include taking measurements, such as height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate, listening to their heart and lungs, and assessing things such as gait, coordination, strength, and joint reflexes.
You can help prepare your child by explaining what they can expect in an age-appropriate way. For younger children, this may mean showing them through play, such as using a toy stethoscope to listen to each other’s heart or breathing, or by reading a picture book together about going to the doctor. For older children, it is about explaining about what to expect and reassuring them about the importance of a checkup in order to keep them healthy. Remember to be honest and to not make promises you can’t keep, such as telling them they won’t need a shot, in case they do end up needing.
Things to Think About on Appointment Day
Try to arrive early to your appointment,as there may be paperwork to fill out. Allow time for holdups such as traffic or difficulty finding parking to avoid adding stress to the day. Take snacks, a drink, and an activity for your child, such as a book or toy to keep them entertained if there is a delay. It may also be useful to take a list of any medications your child is taking for reference.
Take Action
Remember that if you are worried about your child’s health, don’t wait until your next scheduled visit, call your doctor as soon as possible. Early intervention can help prevent problems from getting worse and ensure treatment is started in its early stages when it is typically most effective.Your pediatrician is there to support you and to help your child thrive, so don’t be afraid to contact them if you have any concerns or questions, outside of your scheduled appointment.
Pediatrician Near Me in The Woodlands and Spring, TX
For expect pediatric care, contact Northwoods Pediatric Center, P.A. Our compassionate pediatricians provide a comprehensive range of services, including well-child exams, vaccines, and child sick visits to help your child stay healthy.
We provide personalized, high-quality pediatric care for children of all ages, from newborns to young adults. If you would like to find out more about our services, schedule an appointment, or discuss any symptoms that your child is experiencing, call our office at (281) 296-7770, or use our secure online appointment request form.
