Offered by Brittany LaVoy, MD
Well child checks (physicals) are one of the best things you can do for your child. They are performed at 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years and then yearly. This may seem like a lot, but they are important. Over the first year, your child goes through many developmental stages. Well child checks allow for your child’s doctor to ensure they are growing appropriately, are reaching their developmental milestones (learning to roll, crawl, walk, talk, etc.), and remain up to date on their vaccinations. It also allows their doctor to follow up on any medical problems your child may have, answer any questions regarding your child, and ensure that any medications they take are still needed and at the correct dose for your child. As children become teenagers, it is a chance for them to start participating in their own health care, a skill they will need as adults.
Sports physicals include a more specifi c evaluation and physical exam tailored to children who will be participating in sports. This can be combined with their yearly physical and is designed to ensure that your child can safely participate in sports. While there are many urgent care centers or similar health care facilities which provide these types of exams, they are not recommended. The physicians at these health care facilities do not know your child’s full health history which could impact their ability to safely participate in sports. Also, they cannot evaluate your child’s overall health like your regular provider can.
Although it may be just the beginning of summer break for older children, get ahead of the end of summer rush and schedule your child’s yearly physical today!
For further details regarding well child checks and sports physicals, visit www.brightonpeds.com.
Click here to view Brighton Pediatrics on The Brighton Buzz Business Directory
