Fall Forward into Annual Wellness Checkups

August is underway and summer daydreams are fast-fading as the clock ticks toward fall. Days are getting shorter, the seasonal aisle at your local pharmacy is nearly devoid of sunscreen and back-to-school shopping commercials are playing on repeat. For parents, it’s more important than ever this year to schedule a back-to-school wellness checkup for the kiddos – and a good time to start thinking about your own wellness appointments.

Wellness Visits for Kids

This month, there's been a heightened call by government and health officials, urging parents to schedule wellness visits for their children.

It's recommended that children visit the doctor for annual checkups starting at two years old until they turn 18, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). During these visits, the healthcare provider typically checks a child’s height and weight to ensure they are developing at the proper pace, reviews nutrition and exercise, checks vaccination records and takes blood samples to ensure the body’s systems are in good order.

In addition, you can expect sleep and eating habits to be a topic of conversation. Healthy eating and sleeping patterns are associated with better academic performance and overall health, according to the CDC.

As one doctor told the Times Tribune, “Studies have shown that children who eat a nutritious breakfast have a higher concentration in school and more energy. Getting enough sleep is also important.”

Per the AAP, children from the ages of three to five years old need 10 to 13 hours of sleep. Those aged six to 12 years old need about 9 to 12 hours. Teens aged 13 to 18 years need eight to 10 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period.

Adults Need Checkups, Too

As August wanes, it’s the perfect time for adults to schedule their own annual wellness visit, also known as an annual physical. After all, preventative care is one of the best avenues for staying healthy. As part of your adult wellness visits, the overall health assessment typically includes screenings of blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as checking body mass index. A candid consultation with your doctor regarding your age and risk factors can also determine whether you need additional health screenings.

Countless studies have shown the power of preventative care measures like wellness visits to save lives. Health care experts regularly cite a 2006 study by the CDC that determined 75% of healthcare spending in the U.S. is due to chronic, preventable diseases.

Moreover, many preventative care services are included in health insurance coverage, making it a bit easier to stay proactive about your health as you age.

The Related Life is written and produced by the Related Life Editorial Team. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest events, news and announcements in your area, and tag us for a chance to be featured @therelatedlife and #therelatedlife.