Before reaching adolescence and adulthood, children undergo a series of physical, mental, and emotional changes. Bastrop well child exams help to monitor these changes and ensure your child is developing and growing as expected.
These checkups aim to keep kids healthy and address any special medical needs they may have. Taking your kids in for these checkups regularly at the doctor’s office has a lot of benefits. Here are the benefits of well-child exams;
1. Track growth
Babies should have at least ten checkups with their primary care physician before they turn two. However, children of all ages benefit from these checkups. These exams check to make sure your kid is developing normally.
The doctor will measure and weigh your youngster at each checkup. They will also measure the child’s head circumference. Your doctor will be able to monitor your child’s development by comparing these numbers to those taken at previous visits and those found in growth charts for children of the same age. The pace of increase matters more than a certain percentile on a growth chart.
2. Child health education
During well-child exams, your child’s pediatrician can help teach them about the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle, recognizing the warning signs of unhealthy choices, and finding resources to help them develop healthy routines at home. This may include talking about:
- Children’s diets- your child’s diet should include balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables. The doctor will inquire about food sensitivities, dislikes, and strategies for getting picky eaters to eat healthily.
- Physical activities- Children should engage in at least one hour of physical exercise every day. Your child’s physician might recommend specific physical activity programs for your less active child.
- Sleeping habits- Children between the ages of 6 and 12 should consistently sleep for 9 to 12 hours every 24 hours for best health. Teens aged 13–18 have a slightly reduced sleep requirement of 8–10 hours per 24 hours. It is essential to see a doctor if you are concerned that your kid is not getting enough sleep or is sleeping too much.
3. Preventive care
Over time, doctors and researchers may modify best practices for pediatric care based on the results of new studies, the availability of better tools and drugs, and other factors. Adhering to the suggested well-child visit schedule can help ensure your kids are up-to-date on preventive treatments like vaccines and screenings. Here you may read up on the recommended vaccination schedule and our stance on vaccine policy.
4. Establish a collaborative approach
Relationships between the doctor, parents, and children benefit greatly from frequent visits. You and your kid need to develop a rapport with your physician to be an effective partner in caring for your child. Well-child checkups are a practical approach for physicians and parents to meet the needs of children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Your child’s doctor will be able to get a fuller picture of their health thanks to this collaborative effort, and you’ll have support when you face new challenges.
A well-child exam helps monitor your child’s growth, development, and well-being. Call Pompeyo Chavez, MD, to book your appointment for a well-child exam.
