Annual Pediatric Checkup

What is an annual pediatric checkup?

The annual pediatric checkup is a wellness exam that assesses your child’s overall health, growth, and development. Your child goes through many physical and developmental changes as they get older, and this exam helps you and your pediatrician stay on top of these changes to make sure everything is on the right track.

The experienced team at Northlake Children’s Associates provides truly individualized care and allow more time for the exam so they can get to know you and your child, and your specific health needs and concerns. The extra time for care also improves your patient-doctor relationship and your child’s overall experience to reduce fear and stress.

What occurs during an annual pediatric checkup?

The annual pediatric checkup at Northlake Children’s Associates is a comprehensive examination. During the exam, your child’s pediatrician:

• Measures height and weight
• Checks vision and hearing
• Assesses heart rate and blood pressure
• Evaluates ears, eyes, and throat
• Checks reflexes
• Palpates internal organs
• Listens to lungs and heartbeat

Your pediatrician also reviews your child’s general health and habits and may ask a series of questions regarding your child’s diet, sleep schedule, and activity. You may also be asked about your family history so your pediatrician can better understand future health risks for your child.

After your child’s physical exam is complete, your doctor at Northlake Children’s Associates reviews the results with you, including your child’s growth, and answers any and all of your questions. Your pediatrician may also make recommendations about diet, activity, and screen time to help your child stay healthy.

Will my child need shots at the annual pediatric checkup?

Your child may need shots at the annual pediatric checkup. Vaccinations are an important part of preventive medicine and protect your child against infectious disease. Your specialist reviews the types of vaccinations your child needs and, when possible, combines the vaccines into as few shots as possible to minimize discomfort.

The type of vaccinations your child needs is based on age and is set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

You may be quick to call the pediatrician when your child is sick, but are you also keeping up with their annual pediatric checkups? At our privately owned pediatric practice, Mary-Margaret James, MD, and Majé Goodwin, MD, offer comprehensive, individualized annual pediatric checkups. To schedule your child’s exam, call the office today or book online.