The school age years can seem like a quiet time, without the rapid growth and development of infancy and toddler years, or the major changes of adolescence. But there is a lot going on at this stage of your child’s path to healthy adulthood.
Growth continues and needs to be monitored. The body and brain are still developing and monitoring and screenings are still important. For example, the vision center of the brain does not finish developing until the preteen years, and an undetected and untreated vision problem can lead to permanent brain malformations that can never be cured. Academic issues and learning are the hallmark of this age, and it is here that problems usually first present themselves. Children this age are learning independence, respect for authority, how the world works, how to interact with people and have healthy relationships. They need to learn safety, how to learn, and how to make wise choices about media and electronics, games, tablets, and friends. Emotional and mental health, sleep, activity, and lifestyle are all important at this age, as well as all the common illnesses and injuries of childhood.
Healthy nutrition is a major goal and emphasis for us, teaching your child about health and nutrition and how to make wise choices. We teach them how to take care of their bodies, get enough physical activity, and have a healthy approach to playing sports. Children this age also will need to start preparing for puberty and adolescence.
Over the years, we will interact with your child more, and direct more of our questions and instructions towards them, moving them always towards health independence, taking responsibility for their own health.
School Age Well Child Schedule
Children from ages 6 to 10 are seen once a year for a well-child visit. At these visits, we:
- perform a complete head-to-toe physical, looking for any disease, as well as normal growth
- check blood pressure
- check for healthy weight and weight gain, and any signs of overweight or obesity
- check development and school performance
- check for risks of tuberculosis, heart disease, hearing and vision problems
- check hearing and vision every other year
- check cholesterol on all children once from ages 9-11 and earlier for children at risk
- give flu vaccines every year
- update medical and family histories, visits to specialists, and any new health issues
- check for healthy lifestyle, physical activity, sleep, and nutrition
- educate both parents and children, and start preparing for puberty and adolescence
Next up: Preteen and teen years!
Learn more about our innovative, comprehensive preventive care program