Why Regular Pediatric Wellness Checkups Matter for Your Child’s Health
As a parent, one of the most important responsibilities you have is ensuring the health and wellbeing of your child. The best way to do that is to schedule regular wellness visits with a pediatrician.
Pediatricians play a pivotal role in children’s health and development from birth through adolescence, and regular visits with a pediatrician help foster a healthy environment for a child. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, well-child visits should begin a few days after birth and continue regularly throughout the newborn stage. At the age of three, these visits become annual.
One of the primary purposes of well-child pediatrician visits is early detection and prevention of health issues. Your pediatrician will perform a physical exam, measure height, weight and head circumference, and evaluate milestones such as motor skills, language development and social interactions. They may also administer hearing and vision tests. By monitoring these factors over time, your pediatrician can identify any potential concerns early on and intervene if necessary.
According to Aprile C. Gilmore, MD, a pediatrician with Hattiesburg Clinic Children’s Clinic, early detection is key to helping your child overcome issues. “Wellness check-ups and screenings help to ensure that any potential concerns are diagnosed and treated as soon as possible,” Dr. Gilmore said. “The earlier an issue is detected, the better equipped we are to develop a treatment plan for a positive outcome.”
Vaccinations are one of the most effective preventative measures in pediatric health care. Vaccines are a preventative measure to protect children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Pediatricians play a pivotal role in ensuring that children receive their vaccinations according to recommended schedules. By immunizing children against diseases such as measles, mumps, polio and whooping cough, pediatricians not only protect individual patients but also contribute to community immunity, preventing the spread of contagious illnesses.
Anita S. Henderson, MD, a pediatrician with Hattiesburg Clinic The Pediatric Clinic, stressed the importance of keeping your child up-to-date on their vaccinations. “Children, particularly infants, are inherently more susceptible to infections due to their developing immune systems. Vaccines protect our children from serious illnesses and infections. We urge parents to continue maintaining their child’s immunization schedule and well-visits to ensure their child is healthy and safe,” Henderson said.
Pediatricians also provide support for your child’s behavioral and emotional health. While some behavioral issues are a normal part of childhood development, persistent or severe problems may indicate an underlying issue that requires intervention. These can include problems with sleep, eating, attention, mood or social interactions with peers and family members. Through routine assessments and discussions during well-child visits, pediatricians monitor for signs of developmental disorders, behavioral challenges and mental health issues.
If you are worried about your child’s behavior, it is important to discuss your concerns with your pediatrician so they can assess the situation and provide guidance.
“When it comes to your child’s health, the best thing you can do as a parent is be proactive,” Matthew D. Jackson, MD, a pediatrician with Children’s Clinic, said. “Regular well visits give parents an opportunity to ask us about any concerns or questions they have about their child and discuss next steps.”
Beyond addressing physical health and developmental milestones, well-child visits also play a crucial role in building trust and establishing relationships between pediatricians, children and their families. These appointments provide an opportunity for open communication and collaboration between healthcare providers and parents, fostering a supportive environment where families feel comfortable seeking guidance and asking questions.
Victoria S. Sivils, MD, a pediatrician with The Pediatric Clinic, said it is crucial for a parent to feel safe and comfortable with the person entrusted to care for their child. “Most of our pediatricians are fellow parents, so we understand the how important it is to have a comfortable and reassuring space to bring your child. We always strive to provide the same level of care we would expect for our own children,” Sivils said.
In addition to providing care for children, pediatricians are also there to offer guidance and education to parents. Whether it’s breastfeeding advice for new mothers or guidance on managing screen time for toddlers, pediatricians empower parents with the knowledge and resources they need to raise happy and healthy children.
Pediatricians also play a critical role in promoting positive parenting techniques and discipline strategies. By educating parents about age-appropriate expectations and effective communication strategies, they help cultivate nurturing and responsive caregiving environments. They can also offer guidance on managing common behavioral issues, such as tantrums or sibling rivalry.
“As pediatricians, we are here to be your support system for everything from day-to-day care of your child to overcoming unexpected issues,” Nicole E. Carden, MD, with Hattiesburg Clinic Children’s Clinic – Petal, said. “We have the knowledge and skills to help parents navigate the complexities of raising a child.”
Parent education is particularly important in addressing childhood safety and injury prevention. Accidental injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide. Pediatricians actively work to prevent injuries by promoting safety measures such as proper car seat use and safe sleep practices for infants and teaching families about the dangers of choking hazards and poisonous substances. By educating parents about potential hazards and how to avoid them, pediatricians help families create safer environments for their children.
At Hattiesburg Clinic, our board-certified pediatricians are passionate about promoting the overall wellbeing of children. Our physicians will spend as much time with patients and parents as necessary to promote good health, prevent disease and ensure you receive exceptional medical care that extends beyond the doors of our office.
Hattiesburg Clinic offers seven convenient pediatric clinics in Flowood, Hattiesburg, Petal and Poplarville. We are here when you need us, and we are proud to provide same-day sick appointments. All locations are open Monday through Friday, and our Hattiesburg offices also have after-hours care by appointment on weeknights and on Saturdays and Sundays to better serve our patients.
For more information about the pediatric services at Hattiesburg Clinic, follow the link: https://www.hattiesburgclinic.com/pediatrics/