Why Annual Well-Child Visits Are Essential for School-Aged Children

School-age children are continuously exposed to all sorts of health hazards, so you want them to be prepared. Annual well-child visits can help identify potential medical issues early and ensure your child is current with vaccinations. Dr. Aldo Bejarano at AFB Pediatrics in Pasadena, TX, offers a full range of medical services for children, including well-child visits.

How Well-Child Visits Can Help Keep Your Child Healthy

Annual well-child visits are thorough. During a well-child visit, your pediatrician will:

• Complete a comprehensive physical examination
• Assess your child’s hearing and vision
• Check your child’s breathing, respiration, and heart sounds
• Order laboratory testing, if necessary, to evaluate overall health
• Order imaging studies, if necessary, to evaluate musculoskeletal health

Your pediatrician will also measure and record your child’s height and weight to be used as a baseline to track their growth and development over time. This information is critical to establish that your child is on a normal track for growth and development.

At some well-child visits, your child may be screened for behavioral and mental health issues. Peer pressure, puberty, and other factors can lead to changes in your child’s emotional and mental state. Your pediatrician is an expert at diagnosis and treatment of:

• Autism
• ADHD
• Learning disabilities
• Developmental delays
• Anxiety and depression

Annual well-child visits are also essential because they provide an opportunity to administer vaccinations, a foundation of preventive medicine. Vaccinations are required for your child to attend school, and they protect your child, your household, and you from infectious diseases or illnesses. Flu, hepatitis, meningitis, and polio are just a few of the serious medical conditions vaccinations help prevent.

Want to Know More About Well-Child Visits and How They Can Help Your Child?

To find out more about well-child visits and why they are essential for school-age children, call Dr. Aldo Bejarano at AFB Pediatrics in Pasadena, TX. You can reach him in the office by calling (832) 386-9200, so call today!