Intermountain Health Pediatricians: Well-Child Checkups Help Kids Start School Healthy

July may seem early to be thinking about going back to school, but summer is a great time to schedule a well-child checkup to ensure your child’s physical and mental health.

Well-child visits focus on developmental milestones, and present an opportunity for a comprehensive evaluation and discussion about the child’s wellbeing. They’re also a great time to complete medical forms required for some school activities and athletics, and receive needed immunizations to help protect them from infectious diseases, including measles, which are circulating nationwide.

Well-child visits include:

• Physical exams
• Developmental assessments
• Relevant screenings for the child’s age, such as mental health, vision, and blood pressure
• Immunizations as needed
• Health and safety discussions
• Nutrition and physical fitness discussions
• General advice for now and the future

“Your child’s care team is here to support you,” said Katrina Jensen, pediatric nurse with Intermountain Children’s Health. “We welcome conversations about your child’s development or vaccines and are here to answer your questions. Our goal is to give you clear, reliable information so you can make the best choices for your child.

With the recent reports of Utah measles cases, staying current on immunizations is especially important, and the best way to protect children and families from this and other diseases like whooping cough, chicken pox, and other illnesses.

Measles is not just a mild rash; it is a serious illness and very contagious. It can also have serious complications, especially for babies and young children. The vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles and is very safe.

Families are encouraged to contact their child’s healthcare provider to find out what preventive care is needed for them.

For more information, visit intermountainhealth.org, https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/primary-care/family-medicine,  or contact your child's pediatrician.