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The Importance of a Pediatric Checkup

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The Importance of a Pediatric Checkup

When your child is healthy and active, you might think that a trip to the pediatrician every year isn’t necessary. But an annual exam ensures that your child maintains their health, because we can catch and treat problems in their earliest stages.

You brought your new baby to the doctor every few months to be sure that they were meeting developmental milestones and getting the immunizations they needed to stay healthy. But now your baby is a child or teen. Although visits to the pediatrician slow down, your child still needs to have regular exams.

In addition to the requirements of your child’s school — which may ask for an exam before admittance, or before playing sports — your child or teen should see their pediatrician regularly for a complete exam. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a well child exam every year from the age of three years onward.

At Academy Park Pediatrics, PCour team of expert pediatricians and nurse practitioners ensures that your child stays healthy by offering annual pediatric checkup services. We can see you and your child at either of our Lakewood and Highlands Ranch, Colorado offices. 

Have you booked your child’s annual exam yet? Below are some reasons why you should, and what you and your child should expect during your yearly visit. 

A pediatric checkup marks your child’s progress

One of the benefits of a pediatric exam is that you find out whether or not your child is developing on schedule and meeting milestones appropriate for their age. During your pediatric checkup, we evaluate your child’s:

  • Language skills
  • Learning abilities
  • Social skills
  • Gross motor skills

If we notice that they’ve slipped behind in any area, we may make further recommendations. For instance, if tests indicate that your child might have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other behavioral issues, we may recommend treatments that help them learn and function better. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.

A pediatric checkup evaluates their health and function

A complete and comprehensive physical examination is part of your child’s annual checkup. In addition to a visual and manual exam, we use various instruments and tests to determine or evaluate their:

  • Height
  • Weight
  • Blood pressure
  • Heart rate
  • Reflexes
  • Strength
  • Eyes
  • Ear, nose, and throat

We also evaluate the health of their internal organs, including their lungs and heart. A urine test and blood tests give us information about how well their kidneys, liver, and other organs are working. 

If we detect a problem, we investigate further and then make treatment recommendations. All medical conditions and diseases are easier to treat or cure the earlier they’re caught.

A pediatric checkup prevents diseases

Your baby was vaccinated against potentially deadly diseases such as smallpox and measles. However, over time those vaccines wear off and must be boosted. At Academy Park Pediatrics, we administer vaccines and boosters for:

  • Smallpox
  • Measles
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Polio
  • Hepatitis
  • Diphtheria

If you want a COVID vaccine, we let you know if your child is eligible. Boys and girls aged 11 and up may also be eligible for a vaccine that protects against the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV causes cervical cancer in females. It also causes other types of cancer, including throat cancer.

A pediatric checkup gives you the answers you need

As a parent, you probably wonder and worry about many aspects of your child’s life. Since you see us every year, and build trust through that process, you can feel comfortable discussing any issue that concerns you. 

For instance, if your child isn’t eating well, they may have food allergies or sensitivities that we can test for. Or, they may have an eating disorder that needs treatment.

You can also bring up behavioral issues, such as acting out or having trouble in school. If you suspect your child might be abusing substances, we help with that issue, too.

Your child also may have questions about their gender identity or sexuality. You and they may wonder about what your options are. Your pediatrician is here to answer your questions, provide information and education, and help you make the decisions that are right for you and your child. 

Schedule an annual pediatric checkup for your child today. You can contact our team by phone or online form.