Pediatric Physical Exams

What happens during my child’s pediatric physical exam?

Pediatric physical exams, also called well-child exams, allow Dr. Atousa to be sure your child is growing and maturing at the expected pace. During your child’s exam, she tracks their growth, weight, vision, hearing, blood pressure, and pulse, and gives vaccinations as needed.

Dr. Atousa checks for sleeping, toileting, and nutritional problems. She also diagnoses and treats all pediatric health concerns, including:

• Asthma
• Acne
• Ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Viral colds
• Skin rashes
• Diabetes
• Allergic rhinitis
• Weight-loss management
• Congenital heart disease
• Behavioral problems

After Dr. Atousa finishes your child’s exam, you have time to talk with her about any problems you may have. For example, you might have a hard time with toilet training or have a child with ongoing separation anxiety. Or you may wonder how to deal with a picky eater or need help dealing with ongoing adolescent issues..

Are developmental milestones checked during physical exams?

Developmental milestones are assessed at each physical exam. These milestones refer to a group of physical, social, language, emotional, and cognitive skills that most children can do within an age range. For example, most children sit up around six months and start to walk while holding onto furniture by 12 months.

As your child grows, Dr. Atousa uses these milestones to identify developmental delays and developmental disabilities such as autism.

When should I schedule my child’s pediatric physical exams?

Newborn babies have their first in-office checkup within a week after delivery. Then you should schedule six more checkups at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months. Well-child visits are scheduled at 15, 18, 24, and 30 months. After the age of three, your child needs yearly physical exams.

What vaccinations will my child receive?

Children receive vaccinations at almost every routine visit. That may seem like a lot, but most vaccines are given in small doses and require several shots before your child builds up full immunity. Sticking with the regular pediatric exam schedule ensures your child is up to date and has all the vaccines they need for school.

Immunizations protect your child from serious complications that can result from contagious diseases, such as:

• Measles
• Mumps
• Chickenpox
• Whooping cough
• Polio
• Tetanus
• Diphtheria
• Diarrheal disease

If you need to schedule a pediatric physical exam, call Healthy Kids Care Pediatrics at Sunrise or use the online booking feature today.