As the new school year approaches you might have a to-do a mile long to get ready, but there is one important task that you can’t skip- Back To School Wellness Visits

While yearly check-ups might seem trivial, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that annual visits to the doctor are especially important during adolescence because vital changes are occurring. If you neglect to schedule this appointment then you risk learning of a crucial wellness, anticipatory guidance and necessary vaccines. Luckily, the process is relatively simple and doesn’t have to be a headache for the family.

Keep some of these tips in mind to ease the stress of getting in to see the doctor:

  • Find a Primary Doctor. If you don’t already have a primary care pediatrician or family practitioner, start researching physicians in the area who suit the family’s health needs. Ask friends, family or neighbors for recommendations of doctors with whom they’ve had good experiences. While this may be a lengthier task, especially if time is taken to meet different candidates, it’s worthwhile. When it’s time to make an appointment before school starts, the family is familiar with their physician and confident of his or her ability to care for your child.
  • Check in Before it’s Time for a Check-Up. Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule a child’s back-to-school physical. Be sure to set a reminder, such as a phone alert or a note on the calendar. The earlier an appointment is made, the better the chances of getting in before the usual back-to-school rush. Trying to schedule too late may result in not being able to see the doctor until after school starts, which could impact his/her ability to participate in certain sports or activities.
  • Make a Check-Up Check List. Since no two children are the same, doctor visits may need to be catered to age, gender, athletic participation, etc. It’s best to know what kind of care a child needs beforehand.
  • Prepare for Sick Season. During a back-to-school doctor’s appointment, schedule another check-up for the middle of the school year. Flu and cold-like symptoms are most common in the winter months when respiratory viruses thrive. Cold and flu season approach quickly, so stay on top of scheduling the next checkup in advance.

Have questions or concerns? Call Dr. Saska Sookra. Lifestream Family Medicine wants to be your primary care facility. Contact us to schedule an appointment by clicking this link or calling (941) 755-0433