Pediatricians are primary care doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating children’s illnesses and diseases. A child’s physical, mental, social, and emotional health are also considered when assessing their progress. Until a child reaches the age of two, they will schedule regular appointments for them. Once that is done, they will schedule yearly wellness checkups for their patients, which are essential to ensuring every child is as healthy as possible.

It is important to record your child’s height, weight, head circumference, and milestones at well visits. As a result, your pediatrician will be able to track your child’s growth and development as well as identify any problems they may have. The visit may also include hearing, vision, and other screening tests.

During your child’s well-child visit, your pediatrician can address these issues and others. Throughout the year, keep a list of your questions and bring it to your appointment. It is equally important to take care of your physical health as well as your mental health. Maybe you’ve noticed your child is quieter than usual, or that they’re no longer as interested in some of the things they used to enjoy. These are issues worth discussing with a pediatrician.

Finding a provider you like and connect with during your child’s early years is important. For at least the next 18 years of your life, you will see them a minimum of once a year, and most likely more often. It builds trust and creates consistency to go to the same provider every time, no matter how sick you are. In order to provide the best care, your doctor needs to know your child’s medical history, as well as the values of your family.
 
As your child grows up, regular well visits help him or her transition to adult care when the time comes. Your pediatrician helps you model what a good doctor-patient relationship should be, and how being proactive can lead to better health.

Pediatricians treat a broad range of health issues from conducting ongoing well-child visits to ensure proper development from both a physical, mental and emotional health perspective to treating acute injuries and illnesses. Some pediatricians are also equipped to manage chronic health conditions impacting children however, in some cases, they may be referred to a specialist.
 
In schools and childcare facilities, children are exposed to high levels of germs, which makes them more susceptible to sickness. Their weakened immune system also contributes to a heightened likelihood of contracting illnesses. A child may have six to eight colds a year on average. There are also allergies, skin problems, eye conditions, neurological issues, and gastrointestinal problems common among children. Understanding which conditions affect which age groups, as well as their severity, is crucial. Due to their more active lifestyles, children are also susceptible to suffering more acute injuries such as bumps, bruises, scraps, and cuts that may require treatment.

CDC recommendations for wellness visits are approximately every 2 months until the child is 18- months old. Subsequent visits will occur bi-annually until the age of 3. The visits increase to once a year until the child reaches 21 years old. If the child becomes ill or has problems between these times, the parent will schedule a visit.

Regular pediatric visits are crucial to allow pediatricians to monitor children’s progress and ensure they are reaching specific milestones at certain times, and assist them if they are not. Regular visits also allow doctors to establish a comprehensive medical history for the child and continuity of care to ensure your child is as healthy as possible.

Children’s health and pediatric care are available at Olivero Pediatrics. We are conveniently located at 1243 Skytop Mountain Rd. Suite 4, Port Matilda, PA 16870. Please call us for more information or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Port Matilda PA, Waddle PA, Julian PA, State College PA, Bellefonte PA, Pennsylvania Furnace PA, and Pine Grove Mills PA