Why Get Regular Check-Ups for Children?

By Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (hawk-i)

Health care coverage is important for children to feel well, see well, and hear well, so they can succeed in school and in life. Here’re some reasons for children to have insurance and regular check-ups:

•Immunizations – Obtain medicines that protect babies and children from serious diseases.
•Blood Lead Level Screenings – Check for lead exposure, which can lead to learning disabilities, developmental problems, or nerve problems. It is important to have this detected early.
•Physical and Well-Child Check-Ups – Assess your child’s rate of growth and development. These often are needed for day care, school, sport activities, and camps.

It is important for children to see the doctor when they are sick and for well-child check-ups. Preventive check-ups can detect illness or conditions before they become major problems. They help your child stay healthy and make sure your child is developing properly.

•Vision and Hearing Screenings – Have done before your child starts school. Hearing and speech problems are closely related. Screening helps catch problems early.
•Dental Screenings and Check-Ups – Ensure proper care of your child’s teeth and oral hygiene. Children can suffer needless pain and costly dental care if their teeth are neglected. Neglecting dental care also can hurt their ability to learn and interact at school.

The State of Iowa recommends the following schedule for preventive exams for children:

Medical Exam Schedule:
2-3 days
1 month
2 months
4 months
6 months
9 months
12 months
15 months
18 months
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
6 years
8 years
10 years
12 years
14 years
16 years
18 years
20 years

Dental Exam Schedule:
12 months
24 months
every six months after age 2 years

Is low cost or free health coverage available for your child? To those who qualify, hawk-i provides dental and vision, immunizations, child physicals, medicine from the doctor, and much more. For more information, go to www.hawk-i.org or call the VNA hawk-i Outreach Coordinator, Stacey Killian, at (563) 556-6200 or 1-800-257-8563.