Well-care visits or check ups promote healthy development for children and teens

During well-care visits or check ups, your health care provider will assess your child's physical and emotional development, give guidance and immunizations (shots), and do any needed tests. This is also a great time to talk with your health care provider about concerns or questions you have about your child's development (physical, mental or social).

Children and teens who have asthma, who take medicines every day or who are sexually active should be seen each year for a complete physical exam or for specific health problems.

What to expect at your child's check up

When you bring your child to an Allina Medical Clinic location for a well-care visit or check up, your child's health care provider will:

• measure your child's height and weight
• ask questions about the environment your child is living in
• give immunizations (shots) that protect your child from certain diseases
• answer questions about your child's well-being.

The doctor may also order lab tests to check for any health concerns or risks. One important screening is the blood lead test that looks for a high lead level in the blood.

Lead is a metal that can get into a child's body in many ways. Too much lead can damage a child's developing nerves or brain. Your child may be at risk for lead poisoning if you live in or regularly visit an old building with chipped or peeling paint.