The importance of well child visits

By Angela D’Alessandro, D. O.

Well child check-ups are an important part of your child or adolescent’s health care. It is at these points-of-care with your physician that you are able to discuss all of the important aspects of your child’s health and well-being.

The well child visit is a good time to bring up questions regarding your child’s development and behavior, to check on how much they have grown since the last visit and to receive scheduled vaccinations.

A “sick visit,” in contrast, focuses on a specific problem, such as ear pain or a sore throat. Well child check-ups encompass many aspects of a child and adolescent’s well-being, including: nutrition, growth, academics, behavior, development and safety guidelines related to your child’s particular age.

A well child visit provides the “garden” in which the relationship between doctor, child and family grows.

These visits focus on the key ingredients to promoting a child’s physical, social, emotional and developmental health.

To get the most out of your visit with your physician, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends jotting down a few questions beforehand with regards to areas of interest or concern for you and your family. This is great way to start a dialogue with your physician. Is it time for your check-up? Dr. Angela D’Alessandro is a pediatrician with Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida) with offices throughout Lee County.  www.ppcswfl.com