The team at Pediatric Associates of Denham Springs in Denham Springs, LA, offers regular physicals to help keep your child growing healthy and strong. 

Importance of Pediatric Physicals for Children's Health

 If you have children, you know it’s recommended for them to have regular physicals. The question many parents ask is, Why? The team at Pediatric Associates of Denham Springs in Denham Springs, LA, answers this question below. 

Early Detection and Treatment of Health or Developmental Issues

 During a physical, your pediatrician will do a full-body assessment of your child, including their: 

• Heart 
• Skin 
• Vision 
• Hearing 
• Blood pressure 
• Respiration 
• Reflexes 
• Strength 
• Lymph nodes and more 

 From this assessment, many chronic health conditions and developmental delays can be identified early, meaning that they can be treated in the earliest stages. 

Mental and Emotional Health and Wellness

 Through both the exam and discussions with you and your child, your pediatrician can detect signs of learning disorders, depression, anxiety, behavioral disorders, and more. As with physical health conditions, the earlier mental and emotional issues are identified, the earlier they can be addressed. 

Preventative Care

 A physical isn’t just for current issues. It is also about preventing potential ones. One way this is accomplished is through immunizations that protect against both common and potentially fatal illnesses and diseases. Your pediatric team will provide these vaccinations during regular exams according to the recommended guidelines. 

Another way these visits help prevent future issues is by identifying potential threats. For example, if your pediatrician notices that your child is a bit overweight, they might suggest changes to implement for dinner. Or if your child’s heart seems to beat irregularly, they might refer them to a heart doctor for further evaluation. 

Personalized Guidance 

 Pediatricians know being a parent can be overwhelming, especially when your child is acting out or behaving in a way you are unaccustomed to. New parents are often more anxious about fevers. Reading challenges or getting reports of unruly behavior at school can leave even veteran parents wondering where they went wrong and how to fix it. 

The good news is that no matter how you feel or what your fears might be, a pediatrician has heard them. They specialize in children’s health and don’t expect parents to be experts. Regular physical exams allow you to work together as a team for the benefit of your child by discussing your concerns. Your pediatrician can provide personalized recommendations and even information about available support for you both. 

If you have any questions about physicals or need to schedule one, call the team at Pediatric Associates of Denham Springs in Denham Springs, LA, by calling (225) 665-6677 today.