The start of the school year is the perfect time for an annual wellness visit with your child’s health care provider. While specific requirements vary by schools, camps, or sports associations, well child visits can also accomplish the items needed for a sports physical along with addressing your child’s overall health.
As part of a well child visit, the provider will review your child’s growth and development by taking height and weight measurements as well as an examination of other parts of your child’s body like ears, nose, throat, and mouth. Depending on your child’s age, the provider may also listen to your child’s heartbeat, check blood pressure and evaluate lungs and joints.
Beyond a physical assessment, the well child visit provides an opportunity to assess your child’s health as a whole. Our care team may have parents complete an assessment prior to or during an appointment to gauge emotional, mental and social development. Questions may be asked about your child’s home environment as well.
“These questions and assessments focus on really understanding how your child is doing in all aspects,” said Dr. Lindsay Geier, an SSM Health pediatrician. “The questions asked are age-appropriate and your child will be encouraged to participate in the conversation as much as they are able.”
In addition to the broad assessment of your child, a well child visit will get your child up to date on immunizations and provide you an opportunity to bring up any concerns or questions you may have about your child’s health.
If you’re interested in scheduling a well child visit with SSM Health, find a provider close to you. Be sure to bring any documentation along if you’re looking to satisfy school or program requirements, including physical forms, immunization records, vaccine cards, and waivers.
