Your child’s annual wellness checkup may be coming up soon and it’s important to use that yearly visit to truly get a deep look at your kid’s current health status. With so many questions and concerns in this current pandemic climate, it’s important to have your checklist in order for your child’s doctor and get your questions answered.
Your Child’s Development
Depending on your child’s age, it is important to note what some medical professionals refer to as “developmental milestones.” These are skills that a child acquires by a certain age.
For example, in younger children, being able to take care of certain hygienic habits by themselves can be deemed a milestone in development, as it shows their personal growth.
If you notice that your child is struggling with these milestones depending on their age range, it’s best to bring this to their pediatrician’s attention and look into possible solutions.
Family History and Your Children
Bring any medical records you may have to an appointment with a new pediatrician. If you are using the same doctor for your child as you have for years, be sure to bring up any changes that have occurred since their last well visit.
While children may not have an in-depth knowledge of their medical history, it’s actually a good idea to encourage your child to get involved in their checkup. If they want to ask the doctor questions, let them. If they have questions for you before the visit, answer to the best of your ability.
Stay On Top of Immunization
It’s important to keep track of your child’s vaccinations and make sure that your doctor is just as on top of that important information. After all, in the US, it can limit what a child is capable of taking part in when it comes to their immunization records. Schools, summer camps, and various other activities require children to receive certain inoculations by a certain age.
Make sure to understand the side effects of some of these vaccines, as to not alarm yourself when your child may feel ill, and to not throw your child off.
Understanding Prescriptions
If your child is required to get a prescription medication for a particular ailment or disorder, it’s important to understand the dosage and the side effects of this medicine. Depending on your insurance provider or whether you’re insured, costs for these active prescriptions can run high.
An online pharmacy provides low prices for generic versions of prescriptions, as well as coupons for name-brand medicine recommended for your child that meets the highest safety standards. The digital pharmacy may alarm some, but much like your local pharmacy, there are protocols adhered to through the FDA and similar features like automatic refills.
If you notice that medication is not having an impact on your child’s health, be sure to consult with their pediatrician for other options.
Have a Wellness Plan
When it comes to your children, you want to make sure they stay as healthy and active as can be. However, it’s important to understand what to do when your child feels ill, and when it’s time for a doctor or medical professional’s intervention.
Sometimes, a simple cough or bug may not warrant enough reason to try and lock down an appointment with the doctor that day. In some cases, it’s just easier to reach out to the doctor’s office for a brief consultation to understand the next steps forward.
Talk to your doctor to gain an understanding of scheduling for appointments in certain situations, and when to take steps beyond a visit to the office like heading to an emergency room.