Parents must do their best to safeguard their children's health. One way to do this is by finding your child a pediatrician. Annual pediatric check-ups are an important way to take care of your child's health. A pediatric doctor can provide ongoing care to your child as they grow. Here are four important things that will happen during your child's physical exams:
1. Height And Weight Checks
Children grow rapidly throughout their childhoods. However, your child's nutrition and sleep schedule can impact their growth. That's why it's important for your child to have regular height and weight checks at the doctor's office. Your doctor will record your child's height and weight to monitor their growth over time. Your child's stats may also be compared with the average height and weight of other children to ensure that they are developing appropriately.
2. Hearing Tests
A person's hearing and vision are two very important senses. Unfortunately, kids may not always have the language or frame of reference to tell their parents if something is wrong. Your child's pediatrician can provide regular hearing tests as they grow. A hearing test can check a child's auditory acuity, providing vital information for healthcare providers. If your child's hearing is less acute than average, they may be a candidate for hearing aids.
Immunization is important for kids and adults. Many diseases are preventable with vaccines. Your child's doctor can vaccinate them against chickenpox, tetanus, mumps, and other dangerous diseases. Some schools even require proof of vaccinations before children can enroll. Your child's doctor can keep track of your child's vaccination schedule, providing each shot at the appropriate time. Most children don't enjoy needles, but pediatric doctors and nurses will do their best to provide a comfortable and painless experience for kids.
4. Blood Tests
Blood tests can give doctors a lot of information about a person's health, which is why they are a standard part of most adult physical exams. A blood test may be upsetting for kids, which is why they are not routinely given at pediatric physicals. However, your child's doctor may administer a simple pinprick blood test to determine your child's blood type. Having this information on record can help your child in the event of an emergency where a blood transfusion is required. A pediatrician may also take a blood sample from your child in order to diagnose a health problem when presented with symptoms.