Back to School, Back to the Doctor

No matter what grade your child is entering, there’s always a to-do list for back to school necessities. of to-dos. It’s a good idea to add a visit to your family’s pediatrician for n annual wellness exam and sports physical to that list.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that every child and youth receive medical care from a pediatrician who feels like family. Medical care should be provided over a long period of time, so that as your child develops, his or her care is never interrupted. For example, adolescence is a time when vital changes are taking place, and your child should be seeing their pediatrician to comfortable transition into puberty.

Build your child’s medical history

When you have a long-term history with your pediatrician, it allows him or her the opportunity to follow your child’s progress and development over time. This can help your doctor detect emerging problems sooner. He or she can also remain informed on your child’s medical history―like past illnesses or injuries and immunization records.

A school entry form will generally include a check box asking whether all vaccinations are up-to-date, requiring you to remember whether or not they are. Your pediatrician will keep accurate records that can help you when filling out these forms.

Get your child a thorough exam

Back-to-school check-ups, as they are commonly called, are often the only visit kids and teenagers have with their pediatrician every year. Let the pediatrician take his or her time with this annual physical. This exam gives them a chance to conduct a thorough physical exam that also addresses any emotional, developmental or social concerns.

We all know that pediatricians will check your heart and blood pressure during a routine physical. Your doctor will also test for diabetes, discuss diet and exercise options, conduct a vision screening and test for cholesterol and anemia.

During your child’s physical is the perfect time to address important questions or concerns you have as a parent, especially with teenagers, including adolescent issues of substance use such as drinking, smoking, drugs, sexual activity and depression.