Regular medical checkups should be a part of every child’s life. You may wonder, if a child seems to be doing well, why these checkups are necessary. These appointments serve a lot of different functions. We can monitor growth, in weight, height and (during the first year of life) head circumference, and determine if a child is growing according to expectations.
If measurements are falling off our expectations, this may indicate a problem with nutrition, or other chronic medical problem that is not otherwise obvious such as heart or intestinal problems. If measurements are increasing too rapidly, this may also be a sign of problems, such as hormonal irregularities. These checkups allow us to monitor development as well. Is the child meeting their developmental milestones, like sitting, standing, walking, and talking? Problems with development may indicate hearing or visual difficulties, joint or foot problems, or neurological difficulties, all of which are important to detect and treat early.
On another level, these checkups allow us to establish rapport with children when they are usually otherwise well, and in good spirits. In this way, they are more comfortable with us when they are sick. They become accustomed to our gadgets and to allowing a proper physical examination. We also hope to establish a trusting relationship with them, so that they will feel comfortable as older children and adolescents discussing issues they would be hesitant to discuss with others, such as depression, eating disorders and sexuality issues.
These appointments are golden opportunities to discuss your concerns and ask questions about the day- to-day trials of parenting. Concerns about vaccinations, when and how to start solids, solving those inevitable sleep problems, handling temper tantrums – these are all questions your family doctor or pediatrician can help you with. Many times, I find these appointments are about reassuring parents to trust their instincts, and this too is important to developing confidence as a new parent.
The usual schedule of these checkups is as follows:
Your doctor may wish to see your child more or less frequently depending on their concerns, and usual practices. Expect your doctor to ask questions about nutrition, sleeping, stooling and voiding, developmental milestones like smiling, sitting, walking, speech and fine motor skills, and immunizations. Your doctor will probably alert you to things you should be doing like childproofing your home. And remember to bring your list of concerns - We are all approachable!
Dr. Kathy Savoia is a family physician and a regular contributor to Calgary’s Child Magazine.
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