Your Child's Check-up

Today, a check-up should serve many purposes: assessing your child's physical and emotional development, discussing good health habits, and preventing illness. Check-ups also help the doctor to get to know you and your child well enough to give the best care possible.

It's a good idea to bring a list of questions with you so that you will remember to ask them during the visit. Think about any developmental or behavioral issues that might be worth discussing.

Certain basic health assessments should take place at every check-up, such as measurement of height and weight, stethoscope exam, and a vision exam (once the child is over three years old).

Other than the physical exam, there should be an opportunity to talk more specifically about topics relevant for your child's age, regarding school performance, diet, exercise, stress, sleep, self-esteem, separation anxiety, safety and discipline.

You should always feel that your child's check-up is comprehensive. If you sense that the doctor is rushing through the procedure, not answering your questions completely, or making you feel that he or she doesn't have time to hear your questions or your child's; or if the doctor sticks strictly to your child's physical health without any inquiry into development, it might be time to find someone else to care for your child. 

To request a personal consultation with Dr. Markel about this topic, click here