Well-child Visits Are Key to a Lifetime of Health

Looking after a child from ages 0–17 can be a hard task for parents.

One of the best ways to keep your child healthy is well-child visits with his or her pediatrician (children’s doctor).

Your child’s doctor may schedule a well-child visit a few days after your baby is born. It is important for your baby to have six well-child visits in their first year.  American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that well-child visits include the following:

What to expect at your baby’s well child visit:

• At each visit the doctor will measure:
   height
   weight
   head size
   and other important information.

• Tests for hearing, vision, and other important skills
• A schedule of vaccines to protect your child from serious diseases

Well-child visits are also the time to talk to your child’s doctor. Both parents should attend these visits to get to know the doctor and ask questions. It helps to write your questions and concerns before each visit. Your doctor may also give advice about your child. Your doctor may talk about healthy eating and sleeping habits, and other safety topics.

What to expect at your pre-teens and teens well-care visit

Well-care visits are still important during the teen years! During the pre-teen and teenage years, your child starts to build habits that can last a lifetime. Their environment plays a big role in building the habits for later in life. Many adult diseases start in childhood, like obesity. Obesity can lead to type 2 diabetes, other heart diseases, and certain cancers.

Well-care visits are a good way for your teen’s pediatrician to complete the following exams:

• Physical
• Emotional
• Social (relationships with others)

These visits are a good time to talk about your teen’s eating and exercise habits. Your teen’s doctor can also give timely advice, which can lead to improved health habits.

It’s important for your child to see their doctor often from ages 0-17. Health Net highly suggests using your member benefits. Together, you and your child’s doctor can improve your child’s health and growth. Call the phone number on the back of your Health Net member card, or visit Health Net’s website at www.healthnet.com. You can find out more information about well-care visits and to find a doctor that’s right for you and your child.