By: Melissa Young.
As a parent, you probably have no shortage of to-do’s on your list. Taking your children to the doctor when they aren’t even sick may seem like yet another a lower-priority task, but wellness exams are actually important steps in keeping children healthy and growing properly. Better yet, most insurance programs and Medicaid cover them and the testing associated with them. It’s a win-win situation for your child and for you. Read on to learn why.
Benefits of Wellness Exams
Wellness exams are an opportunity for a physician to conduct a physical examination of your child, assess the child’s development, and educate you and your child on good health practices, according to the Daily Beast. One advantage of this is that occasionally the physician does find a problem in its early stage– whether it’s a physical condition, developmental delay, or an emo-tional problem. Early detection allows early treatment and recovery, before the problem becomes severe. If the doctor does not find any problems, your resulting peace of mind can be invaluable.
How Wellness Exams Work
Infants grow and develop rapidly, so they need frequent checkups during those early months. The state of Illinois suggests that children have wellness exams at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, and 18 months of age. After that, they should have a wellness exam every year between the ages of 2 and 6, and at least every other year following that.
Age by Age
• Babies’ weight, height, and head circumference are monitored carefully at their wellness exams. The doctor will check the baby’s heart and lungs and ensure that the systems are working proper-ly. You and the doctor may discuss feeding habits and developmental milestones. Young chil-dren also receive many of their regular immunizations during these checkups.
• Toddlers and preschool children typically have height, weight, and blood pressure measured. Physicians examine their lungs, check their reflexes, and look for any signs of developmental delays. The doctor may discuss developmental milestones with you, as well as parenting, nutri-tion, and healthy living.
• Elementary school-age children often need another round of immunizations before they begin school. As before, the physician will check the child’s height, weight, and blood pressure, as well as lung function and overall health. As children grow older, they can be included more in the discussions and can assume more responsibility for their own healthy habits.
• Preteens often have questions about their bodies and what to expect as they mature. Along with the standard physical examination, many physicians will take one-on-one time with the child to address potentially embarrassing questions and to give the child some privacy. You can also ask the doctor questions without the child present, if you wish.
• Teens may have experienced most of their bodily growth, but they still need regular checkups. Along with the standard exams, they may need immunizations for college or traveling abroad. Doctors strive to help them make responsible choices in the areas of sexuality, smoking, drinking, and drug use.
Setting a Pattern for Life
One thing you accomplish by bringing your children to regular wellness exams is showing them that their health is important and they need to take care of their bodies. With that understanding, children are more likely to make good choices regarding their health in the years to come. Habits established in childhood often live on in adulthood.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melissa Young is a guest writer for secureinsurancequotes.com where you can find out more about medical insurance coverage.
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