Mom says to you, "Let's go see the doctor." But you're probably thinking, "I'm not sick, so why go see a doctor?", right? Even if you're not sick, seeing a doctor regularly is very important and very good for children like you. That's why we call this "well-child visits" in English, because you only go to see the doctor when you're feeling well and healthy! Do you understand? It's like taking care of your toy before it breaks.
So, do you know why you see a doctor without being sick?
Simply put, this is a visit to the doctor to see if you are growing like a tree and staying healthy. This is a good opportunity for the doctor to check that your growth and development (i.e. your body changes and brain development) are going well.
It also gives your parents a chance to talk to the doctor about your safety, diet, or anything else you need to keep healthy. For example, if you can't sleep at night or don't like certain foods, you can talk about things like that.
Most importantly, this is a great chance for you to ask any questions you have about your health! Maybe you want to know how long it will take you to grow taller, or if you are at a healthy weight. You can find out all this by asking.
What does the nurse look at first?
When you go to see your doctor, you and your mother will probably be taken to a room by a nurse. She will first check your little things.
- Your weight and height: This is done to see if you are growing at a healthy rate for your age. By measuring and recording these from a young age, you can get a good idea of your growth pattern (i.e., how you are growing).
- Blood Pressure : This measures how fast and how hard your heart is pumping blood throughout your body. This is measured by wrapping a small band (a cuff) around your arm and inflating it. It will feel a little tight, but it won't hurt. As the air is released, the nurse will look at the meter and tell you your blood pressure. Sometimes it can be a little higher or lower. But don't worry, most of the time yours will be right!
- Body temperature : A thermometer is used to check whether your body temperature is within normal limits (i.e. between 36.1°–37.5°C). If it is higher than that, it means you have a fever, which means your body is fighting an infection inside.
The nurse will then check your vision and hearing . If you have any problems with either of these, you may need to see an eye specialist (`Eye Specialist`) or an ear specialist (`Hearing Specialist` / ` ENT Surgeon`).
Next, the nurse will ask you to urinate into a small cup. This is called a `` Urine Sample.'' Don't worry, this is normal. Your doctor can check your urine to see if there is anything wrong with your body. Most of the time, the nurse will check your urine and say, "Oh, everything is fine!"
All of these measurements and test results are recorded in your medical record (`Medical Chart` or `Medical Record`) . Then the doctor can look at them all and get a good idea of you. Then it's time to meet the doctor.
Next up is Uncle Doctor... What is he looking at?
The doctor comes into the room, smiles, and asks you a few questions. How are you, are you having any problems, or are you having any problems? The doctor wants to make sure your body is working properly and that you are healthy.
To do this, the doctor does the following:
- Listening with a stethoscope : You've probably seen those tubes that doctors wear around their necks. That's what a stethoscope is. It lets the doctor listen to your heart beat and how your lungs are working . Doctors know exactly what healthy hearts and lungs sound like. So if yours sounds a little different, the doctor will investigate further.
- Your ears, nose, and throat will be examined: Doctors know what a healthy ear, nose, and throat should look like. Using a small lighted instrument (called an `otoscope`), your doctor will look closely at these areas. That light is used to detect any problems inside, such as water in the ear or an infection.
- Your eyes will be examined: Doctors also know what it takes to have healthy eyes. Using an instrument with a light (called an ophthalmoscope), the doctor will look at the retina , the light-sensitive part of your eye that sends messages to the brain. When the doctor shines a light on your eye, it is easier for him to see clearly if you do not move your eyes.
- A rubber hammer taps your knee: This may sound like a bit of fun. When the doctor taps your knee with a rubber hammer (a `reflex hammer`), your leg jumps up without you doing anything, right? There's a good reason for that. This tests how well your nerves are conducting messages throughout your body . When your reflexes respond to the hammer, the doctor knows that your nerves are doing their important job, which is to relay messages from your brain and spinal cord to your body, telling it what to do.
- They will feel your stomach: There are many important things inside your stomach – like your stomach, intestines, and liver. Doctors know what a healthy stomach should feel like when they touch it. So they will check to see if your stomach is feeling the same way.
- A genital exam: This may feel a little awkward and embarrassing for you. So having your mom or dad by your side during this time will be a great help and will make you feel more at ease. Your private parts – your vagina if you are a girl, your penis and testicles if you are a boy – are very important parts of your body. Like other parts, your doctor will check to see if these are healthy and if there are any problems. Changes in these areas, such as hair growth, are signs that you are approaching puberty.
- Spine Check: Your spine is a row of bones that run down the middle of your back. This spine should be straight. But sometimes, some children have a slight curve (curvature) in their back. We call this curvature scoliosis . Small curves are usually not a problem. But if you have a large curve, you may need to have an X-ray or see an orthopedic doctor.
"Oh... no needles!" – Let's learn about vaccinations (`Immunizations`) shall we?
Remember the shots you got as a child , before you went to school? Those are the vaccines that protect you from a host of dangerous diseases like Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis, and Measles.
Some kids are scared every time they go to the doctor, "I wonder if I'll get a needle today." But the truth is, once you're old enough to go to school, you won't need many shots. You'll need a booster shot for tetanus , which is usually given when you're about 12 years old. But sometimes, if you have a deep or dirty wound, it can be given earlier.
It's also a good idea to get a flu shot every year . This is especially important for children who have other conditions, like asthma, that can make it harder for them to get sick. So you don't have to be afraid of needles all the time, right?
Do you have any questions? Now is the time to ask!
Many doctors will take the time to ask questions after the exam. Your mom or dad may want to know how much milk you should drink a day, whether it's safe for you to start playing a new sport, or when you can be left home alone. These are all important questions, and doctors can give parents good advice.
Your doctor may also have some things to tell you. For example, if school holidays are coming up, your doctor may remind you and your mother to wear a helmet when riding a bike, to swim only under adult supervision, and to wear sunscreen when going outside.
The most important thing is, don't forget that you can ask questions too! Even if you feel a little awkward or embarrassed, it's okay, ask your questions. How many times have doctors asked you questions like that! You'd be surprised how many other kids have asked the same questions you did. By asking questions, you can learn more about how your body works and how you can take care of something so precious, your health.
So, is it a good idea to remember this? (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so going to see the doctor isn't that scary, is it? It's like doing a little "service" for your health.
- See a doctor even if you are not sick: It is very important to see if you are growing properly and staying healthy.
- The tests that the nurse and doctor do: They are all done for your own good. They check your weight, height, blood pressure, eyes, ears, heart, lungs, stomach, and spine to make sure you are healthy.
- Vaccinations (`Immunizations`): They are given to protect you from certain diseases. You don't get a needle every day!
- Don't be afraid to ask questions: It's your right to ask your doctor anything you have on your mind.
- Talk to your parents: Talk to your parents before and after you go to the doctor. Tell them what you think and how you feel.
So the next time you go to see your doctor, go with a smile and courage! It's something you're doing for yourself.
` Child health, doctor visits, regular checkups, well-child visits, vaccinations, child development, Sri Lanka Health
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