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Along with school clothes, supplies and backpacks, back-to-school season is a good time to schedule a well-child checkup to ensure your child's physical and mental health is the best it can be when school starts.
Well-child visits focus on developmental milestones, and present an opportunity for a comprehensive evaluation and discussion about the child's wellbeing.
They're also a great time to complete medical forms required for some school activities and athletics, and receive needed immunizations to help protect them from infectious diseases, including measles, which is circulating nationwide and in some Utah counties.
Well-child visits include:
- Physical exams.
- Developmental assessments.
- Relevant screenings for the child's age, such as mental health, vision, and blood pressure.
- Immunizations as needed.
- Health and safety discussions.
- Nutrition and physical fitness discussions.
- General advice for now and the future.
"Pediatricians are here to help parents and their children," said Neal Davis, MD, pediatrician and the senior medical director of pediatrics for Intermountain Health. "They and other providers are happy to talk through concerns, questions about their child's development or vaccines, and ultimately provide parents with good information so they can make the best decisions for their child."
With the recent reports of Utah measles cases, staying current on immunizations is especially important. It's also the best way to protect children and families from this and other diseases like whooping cough, chicken pox, and other illnesses.
Measles is not just a mild rash; it is a serious illness and very contagious. It can also have serious complications, especially for babies and young children. The vaccine is effective in preventing measles and is very safe.
Families are encouraged to contact their child's healthcare provider to find out what preventive care is needed for them.
For more information, visit intermountainhealth.org.
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