Children are in their growth phase. Their bodies and their healthcare needs are changing constantly. Children are susceptible to illnesses that could have short-term and long-term consequences for their health. They need regular checkups from infancy to adolescence. After the age of 3, they will need at least one regular health check-up every year. The main purpose of these doctor’s appointments is to detect any health problems the child may have as early as possible. The sooner the problem is identified, the quicker treatment can begin. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment give the child the best chances of recovering quickly and completely. Regular check-ups are also a time for monitoring growth, assessing mental and emotional health and getting all their immunisations and vaccinations updated. As children go through puberty and reach adolescence, the consultations also become a good forum for them to ask questions about their health and well-being. It is better to get health information from a doctor than google. Regular health check-ups also help build a strong relationship between the doctor, the child and the parents. Fostering trust is important for good quality healthcare.
Children are tender and delicate. They are in their growth phase, and their bodies are changing constantly. They play, and learn and experiment with new things. This makes them susceptible to illnesses that could have both short-term and long-term consequences. Every parent wants the best for their child. In terms of health, this means the child needs regular health check-ups to track their growth and catch potential health problems before they become serious. A mild rash or a small cough could become nasty if left untreated.
Children need regular health check-ups from infancy to adolescence. Infants upto 6 months of age will need to get a regular paediatric check up every month. From 6 months to 3 years of age, they will have to visit the pediatric doctor at least once in 6 months. After the age of 3, annual check ups are sufficient.
Regular Paediatric check ups are not just for the child – They are for the parents too. These appointments are a good time to discuss the child’s physical health, growth rate, nutrition, vaccinations and safety. First-time parents can learn a lot through these visits and make informed healthcare choices for their children. Let us explore the numerous benefits of regular paediatric check-ups for your child’s health and development.
One of the main purposes of regular health check ups for kids is to detect health issues as early as possible. Children’s bodies are growing and changing quickly. Parents may not be able to spot subtle signs of illness as soon as they develop, masked by all the other changes. The doctor will be able to spot these signs immediately by conducting a physical exam, going through their medical history and performing age-appropriate screening tests. Regular check-ups allow for early detection of developmental delays, vision problems, hearing problems, and any congenital conditions that weren’t noticeable at birth. Early detection allows the doctors to rectify the problem more easily, and improve the health outcome for your child. For example, diagnosing and treating a vision problem early can help your child feel less confused and isolated. It will also improve their ability to learn and socialise at school.
Regular check-ups also help identifying and treating conditions like allergies, asthma, aneamia and nutritional deficiencies early. Paediatricians can also assess the mental and emotional well-being of your child. Any behavioural or emotional issues they pick up on can then be treated early, before they develop into larger problems. The paediatrician will also educate the parents on how they can support their child through these challenges.
Children grow and develop at different rates. At your child’s health check-up, the doctor will usually begin by measuring their height and weight. They may also measure head circumference. These measurements will be plotted on your child’s growth chart to track their growth trajectory. This information helps doctors determine if your child is growing within the expected range for their age. Developmental delays, if any, can be supplemented sooner to support your child in reaching their full potential. The doctor will also monitor other developmental aspects like motor skills, speech and social skills. Early intervention in these aspects makes it easier for the child to catch up to the development milestones for their age and thrive.
Regular vaccinations are a cornerstone of preventative care. Vaccines protect children from a range of potentially life-threatening diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, polio and whooping cough. Keeping up with the recommended immunisation schedule can safeguard the child’s health and contribute to the overall health of the community. Most parents keep up with the immunisation schedule religiously until the child is 3 to 4 years old. However, they tend to miss or forget the booster shots their child needs as they enter adolescence. Regular peadiatric check-ups are a good reminder to get the booster shots. The pediatric specialist will keep track of the immunisation schedule and administer the booster shots at the right time. The doctor will also help educate the child on the importance of good hygiene and nutrition at this time. Parents can also clear their doubts on these topics from a qualified source, instead of the internet.
Mental and emotional health is as important as physical health, especially in growing children. Regular paediatric check-ups provide an opportunity to address these aspects of well-being without the child feeling like it’s an “issue” or an “abnormal” thing. Unfortunately, there is still social stigma around the topic of mental health and children are sensitive to this. Paediatricians are trained to recognise subtle signs of emotional distress or behavioural issues that may require further evaluation and support. They will casually engage the child in conversation, asking about school, friends and other activities. The child could open up and confide in them about troubles they may be facing like bullying, abuse, learning difficulties or peer pressure. In some cases, the doctor may also be able to identify signs of ADHD, depression or anxiety that the parents may have missed.
As children go through puberty, their bodies change. This can be a very confusing time for the child as well as the parent. Regular paediatric check-ups can help prepare them for the challenges of adolescence. Children experience significant physical, emotional and social changes during this time. They also begin to withdraw from the parents a little and become more independent. At times, they may feel uncomfortable talking to their parents about the challenges they face. An experienced paediatrician, who is a trusted figure in the child’s life, can fill this gap. Paediatricians can offer guidance on topics like puberty, mental health, sex education, menstruation and substance abuse. Having these conversations with a qualified adult can help the child make better decisions as they navigate this complex stage of life.
Regular paediatric check-ups help build a strong relationship between the child, parents and the paediatrician. This creates a strong foundation of trust and open communication which is essential for effective healthcare. The patient and caregiver, in this case the child and their parents, need to be comfortable enough to share with the doctor without withholding any information. They are then also more likely to share their concerns and ask questions without feeling silly. This greatly increases the chances of a good outcome for the child’s health. Visiting the same paediatrician over years also gives the doctor context and continuity. They are able to assess the patient better as they are already familiar with their case. This also helps them come up with personalised and effective treatments for the child.
Ensure your child’s health and well-being with regular pediatric check-ups at Kauvery Hospital. With branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, our expert pediatricians are here to support your child’s growth and development every step of the way. Schedule an appointment today and give your child the care they deserve.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
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