WHY DOES MY CHILD NEED PREVENTATIVE HEALTH CARE

Annual physical examinations are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and have been shown to increase the likelihood that your child will enjoy better health.

• Preventative Health Visits help you as parents with many of the problems you face in raising your child.

• Preventative Health Visits help protect your child from disease and injuries.

• Preventative Health Visits may discover problems that are better and more easily treated when diagnosed early, before complications occur.

Examples of some of the important information that is obtained during an annual physical examination (that are not done during a visit for illness or injury) include:

• Growth measurements: Any irregularities here may be the forerunner of a serious metabolic, endocrine or kidney disease.
• Screening tests for anemia, kidney disease, high blood pressure, lead poisoning, vision and hearing problems.
• Anticipatory guidance and education including information about child safety, development and behavior problems that would allow you (the parent) to help prevent health problems from developing at all.
• Immunization to prevent disease *.
• A thorough systematic physical examination from “head to toe.”   Many medical problems may be found before the patient develops any symptoms (i.e.  thyroid disease, heart disease, skin disorders, scoliosis, dental problems). Early detection can save time, money and most importantly the development of a more serious illness which may cause your child more pain and trauma.

Preventative Health Visits should be scheduled at:

• 1 to 2 weeks of age
• 2 months of age
• 4 months of age
• 6 months of age
• 9 months of age
• 12 months of age
• 15 months of age
• 18 months of age
• 24 months of age and
• yearly thereafter from 3 to 21 years of age

For up to date information about all vaccines and the recommended schedule for immunizing your child go to:
The Vaccine Education Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia