Finding a convenient, reliable physician to care for your child in emergencies is critical, but making sure you have lined up wellness visits can have an equally significant impact on your child’s well-being. Routine wellness checks (also known as well-child visits) give you and your pediatrician an opportunity to track your child’s physical, emotional and social development, as well as their health. This is true from newborns to teenagers. You can share any concerns, brag on recent successes and milestones, or seek professional insights into any physical or behavioral challenges. Think of these visits as your chance to learn more about the best ways to help your child grow.
Why wellness visits matter
Regular well-child visits give your pediatrician the chance to see your child regularly, watching for developmental milestones as well as early signs of potential illnesses or diseases. Wellness visits should begin immediately after birth, as early as two to five days old, with subsequent visits typically scheduled at one, two, four, six, nine, 15 and 18 months, and then again at 2 years old.
These visits allow your pediatrician to monitor and record your child’s breathing, height and weight, heart sounds and pulse, and musculoskeletal structure. These visits should continue annually into the teen years, though annual sports examinations may suffice.
Regular well-child visits are important to your child’s behavioral health as well as physical. They provide an opportunity for your pediatrician to assess and monitor your child’s behavioral health to identify and manage conditions including:
ADD and ADHD
Learning disabilities
Anxiety and depression
How to prepare
To make the most with your healthcare team during a wellness visit, take a few simple steps to prepare. For example:
Make notes about what you’ve noticed about your child’s health and development, including any changes in behavior or family routines.
Write a list of questions. You will have time to ask them during your visit.
Encourage your teen or preteen to ask questions about their own health.
Gather information that might be helpful for your healthcare professional.
Share information from school (such as your child’s Individualized Education Program) or daycare to help your healthcare professional learn more about your child.
What to expect
During a well-child visit, your child’s physician will take measurements, conduct a head-to-toe examination, and offer you a chance to share information and ask questions. This is also a good time to ensure immunizations are up to date to prevent contagious, infectious illnesses and diseases. Immunizations are required for your child to attend daycare and school. They also protect your child, your household, and you from acquiring an infectious disease or illness. The flu, hepatitis, meningitis, and polio are just a few of the conditions immunizations can help prevent.
Schedule a well-child visit today
If it’s time for your child’s annual well-child visit – or if it’s just been a while since they’ve had a routine check-up – the medical professionals at FirstKids Urgent Care are prepared to help. We are a walk-in facility serving the Tuscaloosa areas, so there’s no appointment necessary. If it’s more convenient, you can schedule an appointment online here. FirstKids accepts all major insurance plans, as well as Medicaid and self-pay patients as well.
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