MCC Daily Tribune
Children's Preventative Health Checklist
MAKE PREVENTIVE CARE A PRIORITY
When it comes to children, ensuring a healthy future starts with taking healthy steps today. That’s why preventive care services are covered at no additional cost to you.* Use this checklist to keep the most essential screenings and doctor visits top of mind.
- Well Child's Visit
- Infant - 6 Visits the first year
- Toddler - 15, 18, 24, and 30 months
- Age 3 and older - once a year
- Regular well-child visits allow your doctor to check your child’s growth and development, and stay on track with recommended immunizations. These visits are a good time for you to ask questions about sleep, nutrition, behavior, safety and learning milestones.
- Autism Screening - Age 18 & 24 Months
- Typically performed during a well-child visit, your doctor will assess your child’s behavior for any early signs of developmental challenges.
- Blood Pressure Screening - Age 3 and older
- High blood pressure doesn’t just affect adults. Like most conditions, if it’s identified early it’s easier to treat.
- Depression Screening - Age 12 and older
- Depression is a serious mental health issue that often goes undetected among adolescents and can affect virtually every aspect of life.
- Hearing Screening - Newborn, Ages 11-21 (once a year)
- All babies receive a hearing screening in the hospital. Early screenings can help prevent delays in speech and language development caused by hearing problems.
- Immunization Vaccines - Everyone as directed by your doctor
- From whooping cough and rotavirus to measles and the flu, vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect your child from a wide range of potentially serious diseases.
- Lead Screening - Ages 12 and 24 months - NYS Requirement
- Too much lead in the blood of small children and pregnant women can result in serious developmental issues.
- Obesity Screening and Counseling - Each visit beyone 24 months
- Healthy habits that start young have a better chance of becoming a lifestyle. Get your child off to a good start.
- Oral Health Risk Assessment - Ages 6 and 9 months, Age 1-4 years and 5-10 years
- Your doctor can determine if your child is at a high risk of tooth decay and/or oral disease and refer you to a dentist early if necessary
- Vision Screening - Ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15 years old
- Even if your child doesn’t show any symptoms of eye problems, regular vision checkups are essential.
Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
01/10/2023