Why Go to the Doctor if Your Child is Well?
If you are a parent or a caregiver, you want the best for your child. You want them to be healthy, happy, and thriving. But how do you know if they are on the right track? How do you address any issues or challenges that may arise along the way? That's where well child visits come in. As a medical student, I have had the opportunity to participate in well child visits during my pediatrics rotation. These are regular visits for children from birth to age 18, where they receive preventive care, immunizations, screening tests, and health education. They are very important for ensuring the optimal growth and development of children, as well as preventing and detecting any health problems early.
Well child visits are more than just physical exams. They are also opportunities for parents and caregivers to ask questions, voice concerns, and receive guidance from pediatricians and other health professionals. Some of the benefits of well child visits include the following.
Building a trusting relationship with your child's health care team
When you trust your child's doctors, nurses, therapists, and other caregivers, you can communicate openly and honestly with them. You can also collaborate effectively to make the best decisions for your child's health. A trusting relationship also reduces stress and anxiety for both you and your child, and helps you cope with the challenges of having a sick or injured child. Trusting your child's health care team is a way of showing love and support for your child.
Monitoring your child's growth and development
You will receive a growth chart that shows how your child is progressing in terms of height, weight, head circumference, and body mass index (BMI). You will also learn about the developmental milestones that your child should reach at different ages, such as crawling, walking, talking, and socializing. If there are any delays or concerns, you will be referred to appropriate services or specialists for further evaluation and support.
Protecting your child from preventable diseases
Your child will receive the recommended immunizations for their age group, which can protect them from serious illnesses such as measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis B, meningitis, and human papillomavirus (HPV). You will also receive information about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, as well as the possible side effects and how to manage them.
Screening your child for common health issues
Your child will undergo various tests and assessments to check for any signs of vision problems, hearing loss, dental decay, anemia, lead poisoning, tuberculosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. If any issues are detected, you will be given advice on how to treat them or where to seek further help.
Educating yourself and your child about healthy habits
You will receive tips and resources on how to promote your child's physical activity, nutrition, sleep hygiene, oral health, mental health, safety, sexuality, and substance abuse prevention. You will also learn how to cope with common challenges such as tantrums, toilet training, bullying, peer pressure, screen time, and stress. You will be encouraged to involve your child in making decisions about their health and lifestyle choices.
Image credits:
Image by <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/happy-baby-boy-having-fun-while-doctor-is-listening-his-heartbeat-with-stethoscope_25630039.htm#query=pediatric&position=5&from_view=search&track=sph">Image by Drazen Zigic</a> on Freepik
Image by <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/young-girl-pediatrician-consultation-with-her-doctor_20553674.htm#query=pediatric&position=21&from_view=search&track=sph">Freepik</a>
