Annual Physicals Specialist

Annual Physicals Q & A

What is a well-child visit?

Children grow and develop quickly, so it’s important for Dr. O’Heron to frequently monitor their health with regular well-child visits. Even if your child isn’t sick or injured, Dr. O’Heron pays special attention to how they’re progressing compared to normal developmental milestones. This can reveal early signs that your child may need a developmental assessment.

At each well-child visit, Dr. O’Heron performs a physical exam and records your child’s height, weight, and other significant information. Some visits may also involve hearing, vision, or other tests to check your child’s development.

Dr. O’Heron also provides you with information about sleep, safety, and what to expect as your child grows.

How often do children need pediatric exams?

If Dr. O’Heron was overseeing your pregnancy, she examines your baby right after birth. After that, the next visit should be two to three days after you bring your baby home.

Well-child visits are more frequent during the first year, typically occurring every two to three months after the one-month exam. When your child is about 18 months old, visits may occur every six months.

After their third birthday, most children need only one exam per year. Dr. O’Heron may want to see your child more or less frequently depending on their specific situation.

What is a well-woman visit?

Well-woman visits, also called annual or gynecological exams, are an important part of taking care of your body and reproductive health. Exactly what happens at your annual exam depends on your age and medical history.

Dr. O’Heron begins with a physical exam, including measurements of your height, weight, and blood pressure. She may ask questions about your sexual activity, any symptoms you may be having, and your menstrual cycle.

Depending on your individual needs, well-woman exams may also include:

• Pelvic exam
• STD testing
• Birth control counseling
• HPV vaccination or test
• Pap test
• Breast exam
• Mammogram
• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) bone density scan
• Blood or urine tests

Even if you feel perfectly healthy, annual exams are crucial for detecting early signs of disease, such as cancer, osteoporosis, and hypertension.

For more information on Annual Physicals and Pediatric Care, please use these links:

• Early Childhood Care (1 month – 4 years)
• Middle Childhood Care (5 – 10 years)
• Teen Health Care (11 – 21 years)

If you’re due for an annual exam, call Lifeboat Medical Associates or book an appointment online today.