What You Should Know About Children's Wellness Exams (Ages 6-12)

Most of us only consider scheduling a doctor's appointment when our child is not feeling well, but regular yearly child exams are also considered important for good health and well-being. The annual pediatric exams provide the opportunity for our family doctor to ensure our children grow normally. It also gives you the opportunity to ask general questions about their health, safety and development, and gives them the opportunity to ask their questions about their physical changes.

During the standard annual examinations, the doctor will take care of your child's weight and size, complete physical examination and alert checks such as blood pressure. Your child may be asked to provide urine samples to test for abnormalities and to provide blood tests to check for anemia and other conditions, such as dry cough. Family health history will be recorded to determine the risk of future cardiovascular disease and other diseases. Overall physical examination will examine spinal curvature and any atypical development.

Behavioral health will be further considered by your doctor. Questions about sleep, appetite, exercise and eating habits may be asked, as well as information on personal hygiene and hygiene. Doctors can ask about general behavior problems, learning problems, or school problems. Older children may have personal conversations with doctors about puberty, sexual health, and other adolescent topics.

There are many common medical problems experienced by children between the ages of six and 12 who can play a role in the annual examination. Common issues such as frequent inflammation, throat, bedwetting, sleep problems, behavioral concerns, skin infections, persistent cough, asthma, or digestive problems, and gender-specific health problems such as menstruation. If your child is an athlete or otherwise active, they should also be shared with your doctor, as this may increase the risk of bone, muscle or other structural damage.

To prepare for your child's annual visit and to make sure it is efficient and useful, it may be possible to provide specific information about your child's health. Make a list of medications taken regularly, including over-the-counter.

Keep in mind that a good yearly child examination does not end with your family doctor. Your family doctor will be able to perform blood work, check for proper development, and exercise physically, but there are several other elements involved in your child's health and well-being. Regular eye exams and regular trips to the dentist are also ideal for maintaining good health around.



Parents are the first line of defense when it comes to their children; the responsibility falls on their shoulders to ensure that they do everything they can to keep them well and happy. Following the annual health exam not only allows parents to be proactive in preventing unwanted health problems, it also teaches children to control their future health by reinforcing the importance of regular trips to the doctor. Remember: no other illness or problem is required to make an appointment with your doctor. In some cases, having an annual health appointment can make the appointment less painful.

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