The Importance of Regular Pediatric Check-ups

Regular pediatric check-ups are essential in helping children maintain better health. They give the doctor an opportunity to monitor growth, development, health, and wellness to ensure kids are on track in various areas. The experienced and caring pediatricians at Pediatric Specialists of Tulsa, serving Tulsa, OK, offer well-child check-ups and other health services to help kids enjoy optimal health and wellness.

Pediatric Check-ups

Pediatric check-ups include a thorough physical examination to assess health and development in various areas. These checkups also include a review of your child’s personal medical history and family medical history. Your child’s personal medical history includes a review of any possible health conditions, allergies, or current medications, while family history helps indicate if there are any conditions your child might be at higher risk for, such as diabetes.

How often pediatric check-ups are needed depends on the child’s age. Based on age, babies and toddlers should see a pediatrician every few weeks or months. Beginning around two years of age, kids only need a yearly check-up unless they have a chronic health condition requiring more frequent monitoring.

At our pediatric office in the Tulsa, OK, area, the pediatrician will check several regions during the physical examination, including:

• Height and weight
• Vision and hearing
• Lungs and breathing
• Blood pressure
• Heart rate
• Reflexes

The pediatrician will also monitor development in several areas by tracking when your child reaches various milestones, such as walking and language acquisition. For kids who might be slightly behind, the doctor might recommend specific interventions, such as speech therapy, to help children improve development in those areas.

Another component of pediatric check-ups is immunizations. The pediatrician will track when your child is due for each dose of essential immunizations. Staying up to date with immunizations helps kids remain healthy by preventing certain serious illnesses. Our office follows the vaccination and immunization schedule the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended.

Benefits of Regular Check-ups

One of the main benefits of scheduling regular pediatric check-ups for your child is preventive care. Seeing the pediatrician regularly ensures potential health issues or developmental concerns are identified early when they are easier to treat. This also prevents minor problems from becoming more serious.

Another benefit of regular pediatric check-ups is that the pediatrician can provide guidance in various areas at the right age. For example, the doctor can tell you when you can begin transitioning your baby to solid foods, offer guidance on potty training, and advise you on how much physical activity older kids need every day.

Another benefit of scheduling regular check-ups is that your child should become more familiar with and comfortable with the pediatrician each time. Familiarity and comfort can make appointments less scary or stressful for your child, especially when they need a sick visit or are due for a subsequent immunization.

Regular pediatric check-ups are essential for many reasons and contribute to better health and wellness. To schedule an appointment with a pediatrician, call Pediatric Specialists of Tulsa, in the Tulsa, OK, area at (918) 523-5437.