In this article:
- Scheduling your child's annual checkup before the start of the school year can help keep them healthy all year long.
- Take time during the visit for a mental health check-in. It can help you get them any support they might need.
- Watch the short video at the end of this blog for more advice from a Providence Swedish pediatrics expert.
The new school year is a busy time for families. There's a lot of catching up to do after the summer break. With the new school year is right around the corner, one thing you should put at the top of your back-to-school to-do list is your child's annual checkup.
There are several areas of your child's health you should be sure to discuss with your physician or practitioner. Elizabeth Meade, M.D., pediatric medical director at Providence Swedish (and a mom), shares some guidance for getting the most our of these visits, what to expect, and why they are essential:
- Keep immunizations up-to-date. Your child’s doctor will make sure they are up to date on immunizations and address any concerns you may have. And while vaccines are a key part of wellness check-ups, these appointments are about much more.
- Check on their growth. Doctors track your child’s growth, measuring height and weight to make sure they are developing well. This helps identify any growth-related issues early on.
- Address developmental concerns. Parents often worry about how their child is doing in school and with other activities. Wellness check-ups are a good time to talk to the doctor about these things.
- Check in about mental health. Your child’s mental health is important. Doctors check for any mental health issues that could impact your child’s ability to thrive, offering early intervention if needed.
- Talk about overall health. During the check-up, the doctor will also talk about things like eating healthy, getting enough sleep and staying safe. Catching any health issues early helps prevent bigger problems later.
Watch this short video to learn more from Dr. Meade about keeping your kids in the best health possible for school's kickoff, and all year long.
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
If you have questions about vaccinations or your child’s wellness health, Swedish Pediatrics can help. If your kids aren’t up to date on immunizations, particularly the measles vaccine, call their pediatrician today to schedule a visit.
You can contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or advanced care clinician. If you or a child has symptoms, you can connect virtually with a member of your care team who can review the symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. With Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. If you don’t have a doctor, use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
Additional resources
At Providence Swedish, the best care for kids of all ages
Vaccinations help your kids stay healthy now and in the future
Growing Up Safely: Immunizations + Health | Talk with a Doc Podcast
Keep your kids safe and healthy this summer
Routine mental health talks with kids help make home a stigma-free zone
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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