It may be “summer vacation” for the kids, but a parent’s job never ends. And between all the summer camps and sleepovers, don’t forget your child’s yearly trip to the doctor.
“An annual physical is one of the best things you can do for your child’s health and wellbeing,” says Jen Storch, executive director of ambulatory services for Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.
Here are five important reasons to never skip that yearly physical.
1) Check for Changes - A yearly physical establishes a baseline or “normal” for your child, that can serve as reference for future check-ups. Each following year, the physician can assess any changes that have occurred and if they are cause for concern or the course of healthy development. The yearly physical also provides opportunity to re-evaluate and update any medications or treatments.
Be Prepared: 5 Things to Bring to Your Child's Yearly Physical
Remember the following items and information, and get the most out of your visit:
2) Vision and Hearing – If your child is going to get the most from their classes, they have to be able to hear the teacher and see what they’re doing. A yearly physical should include vision and hearing tests, to discover any problems and find the proper solutions.
3) Immunizations – Children have a handful of immunizations that are important for their own wellbeing and to protect the health of those around them. Many of them are required by Florida law, before a child can attend childcare and school. It’s important to stay on top of these, and a yearly physical is the best way to keep track or catch up.
4) Cleared For Play – School-based athletics can be demanding on the body, and it’s crucial that your child is first seen by a physician to determine if they’re healthy enough to play. Even casual athletics can strain an undiagnosed heart condition, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and get that physical.
Sarasota Memorial Urgent Care Centers follow the American Heart Association’s 14-point evaluation for cardiovascular screening. This gold-standard screening ensures your child is fit for all types of physical activity.
5) A Time For Questions – Perhaps most important, a yearly check-up gives you and your child face-to-face time with an expert who can answer your questions. And even if your child doesn’t have questions of their own, it’s a good opportunity for parent and physician to go over some of the basics for them.
Pro Tip: As your child enters their teenage years, it can be helpful—and even advised—to give them a few minutes of time alone with their doctor, they can ask questions and have conversations that they might not be comfortable having in front of their parents.
Don't Forget: Write It Down
Visiting the doctor can be an intimidating and distracting experience, and it can be surprisingly easy to forget all the reasons you came. Write down your questions beforehand, so you don’t leave frustrated.
This is your time with the doctor and you should feel free to ask all of your questions.
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