A well child check up is a very important part of keeping your child healthy. Your child has many appointments throughout their life where they will simply see a doctor to ensure that everything is working properly. Here are a couple things you need to know about a well-child check up.
1. Immunizations
One of the most important parts of the well child check up is to administer immunizations to the child. There is a specific schedule that the child needs to follow to ensure that they are properly vaccinated. If you miss a booster, or miss an immunization altogether, you might be putting your child at risk.
For instance, there has recently been a measles outbreak. Children who have not been up to date on their immunizations are those who are at risk for contracting this terrible disease.
It should be noted that you should let the immunization run its course. For example, some people give their children a little Tylenol before the shot. Although this helps the comfort of the child, it may dampen the effects of the vaccination. The child should run a low fever. This means that the immunization is working. The more their body naturally responds to the vaccination, the better it will work. This is why many doctors recommend that you don't give the child Tylenol unless they are running a high fever or in a lot of discomfort.
2. Early Detection of Disease and Illness
Childhood is a very common time for many illnesses and diseases to appear. Many children are not able to articulate their pain or symptoms well. This why some children who have serious conditions, like diabetes go undetected for a long period of time, until the effects of the disease are damaging.
When you go for well-child check ups the doctor will do an assessment to check for any major problems. If they notice any abnormalities such as increased heart rate, trouble with the kidneys, skin abnormalities and many other things, they can start early treatment. Well child check ups have been know to protect many children from serious problems and diseases.
3. A Chance To Ask Questions
Every parent will have questions about their child. They might want to know if something is normal developmentally, or if they need to be concerned. When you meet with the doctor, they will take the time to answer any questions and give you extra information that you might desire. This can help you feel more confident as a parent.
These are just 3 reasons why you should stay on top of you well child check ups. Contact a company like Pediatric And Young Adult Medicine for more information.
Share1 April 2015
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