Regular Check-ups for kids and how to be a pro-active patient?
Who is a proactive patient?
A proactive patient is someone who takes an active role in managing their own health and well-being. Proactive patients monitor their health regularly. This may involve keeping track of vital signs, symptoms, or other health metrics. Regular check-ups helps them and their healthcare providers identify any changes or issues more quickly.
Preventive medicine covers a range of activities and interventions aimed at preventing illness and promoting health.
Lifestyle Modification. Encouraging healthy behaviors such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and moderation in alcohol consumption.
Regular Check-ups. An annual blood check-up typically involves a series of blood tests that assess various aspects of your health. The specific tests included may vary based on factors such as age, gender, health history, and any specific concerns or risk factors you may have.
Regular Screenings. Conducting tests or examinations to detect diseases or conditions early, often before symptoms appear.
Routine check-ups are important for monitoring the growth and development of children aged 1 to 3 years. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other health organizations recommend a schedule of well-child visits during this period. It's important to note that specific recommendations may vary by state, country and individual health circumstances.
If you are a proactive parent, consider preparing the following information and items for your child's pediatric check-up:
Medical Documentation: Current vaccination records (reactions or side effects). List of any recent illnesses or hospitalizations. Previous medical records or specialist reports.
Health and Development Observations: Developmental milestones your child has recently achieved. Any concerns about physical growth or development. Changes in eating or sleeping patterns. Behavioral observations
Essential Blood Tests and Medical Screenings for Toddler Health Monitoring (common components of check-ups for children aged 1 to 3):
Physical Examination:
Measurement of height, weight, and head circumference to track growth.
Assessment of developmental milestones, motor skills, and language development.
Vision and Hearing Screening:
Periodic assessments of vision and hearing to identify any potential issues early.
Dental Check-ups:
From the age of 2, visit the dental hygienist every 6 months. See the dentist once a year.
Behavioral and Social Development:
Assessment of behavioral and social development, including discussions about sleep patterns, behavior challenges, and social interactions.
Medical laborotary testing for children aged 1 to 3:
Complete Blood Count (CBC) With Differential and Platelets
Ferritin, Vitamin D, Protein Total, Zinc
Liver indicators (ALAT, ASAT, Bilirubins), Kidney tests, Thyroid Blood Test are recommended if any deviations were identified in these tests before. If everything is good, then do the blood test once a year.
If there was anything to recheck, then have the blood test every 6 months.
Check-ups for children aged from 3 to 6 years old:
Complete Blood Count (CBC) With Differential and Platelets
Ferritin, Vitamin D, Protein Total, Zinc, Vitamin B12 and Folate
Liver function tests: ALAT, ASAT, Bilirubin Total
Homocysteine
Urine Test
Kidney and Thyroid functional panels - according to your doctor's recommendations
It's important for parents to actively participate in visits, ask questions, and communicate openly with healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care for their child. Always consult with your healthcare provider for specific recommendations tailored to your child's individual needs and circumstances.
Before undergoing any blood tests, it's recommended to consult with your healthcare provider to understand the purpose of each test and how the results will be interpreted in the context of your overall health.
Sound like a plan? If you have questions, please, leave comments.
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