Your 13-year-old's Well-Child Visit: Shall we talk about this?

Your child is thirteen years old now, right? It's not like when they were little, now they are starting to become big kids. During this time, not only their bodies but also their minds are changing a lot. So, a health checkup at this age, called a 'Well-Child Visit' , is very important. Let's see what happens during this, and why is it so important?

What happens during the 13-year Well-Child Visit?

Okay, now let's look at what usually happens when you take your thirteen-year-old child to a doctor or nurse. This is like doing a 'service' on their health, checking to see if everything is okay. There's nothing to worry about, this is for the child's own good.

Body growth and measurements - is it important to look at height and weight?

The first thing the doctor or nurse will do is measure the child's weight and height . You might be thinking, 'Oh, I can do makeup at home,' but this is very important. Because, using these measurements, they will find a value called 'Body Mass Index' (BMI) . Simply put, this is to see if the child has a healthy weight for his height and is growing at a rate appropriate for his age.

Then, these measurements are recorded on a 'Growth Chart' . These records are very important. Because, they are the ones that give a clear picture of the child's growth pattern, how he is doing compared to other children of his age. Think about it, some children grow very quickly, while others grow a little slower. All this can be seen on this chart. If there is any problem, it can also be identified early through this.

Also, the child's blood pressure is measured. This is also an important test, as even young children can be at risk of high blood pressure these days. Sometimes a hearing test can also be done. Although these things have been observed since childhood, it is very important to continue monitoring them even at this transitional age.

Next, a complete medical examination!

After taking the measurements, the doctor will examine the child carefully. This is called a 'physical exam' . What is checked during this?

• Skin check: This age is a time when the skin changes a lot . Acne is more common. So, the skin is carefully checked for any other changes, blemishes, allergies, etc.
• Listening to the heart and lungs: A stethoscope is used to listen carefully to the heart's beat and breathing pattern. This can help determine if there is any abnormality in the heart or lungs.
• Checking the back: Checking the back: Is the child's back straight or is it curved to one side, which is a condition called scoliosis - curves in the spine . At this age, children are growing rapidly, so these things can sometimes appear. If detected early, it is much easier to treat.
• Signs of Puberty: As you know, this age is a time when children go through a lot of changes, both physically and mentally. So, the doctor carefully watches to see if the signs of 'puberty' , that is, the signs of puberty, are occurring correctly and at the right time. This is very important. At this time , it is good for the mother or father, or a guardian, to be in the examination room with the child . This also makes the child feel a little stronger and more secure. However, if the child has other siblings, it is better to have them a little outside, in the waiting room. Then the child can also have some freedom and privacy.

Do I need to update vaccines? (Updating Vaccines)

Yes, this is another very important part of this check-up. 'Vaccines' means vaccines . These vaccines can protect children (and all of us) from serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases. So, it is essential that your 13-year-old child gets his or her vaccines on time.

There are some vaccines that are given at this age. For example, you may have heard of the HPV vaccine . It is an important vaccine that protects against diseases like cervical cancer in the future, especially for girls. Also, the Tdap booster, which protects against diseases like measles, whooping cough, and tetanus, can be given at this time.

Remember, each doctor may have slight variations in the order in which they administer the vaccines, or 'vaccine schedule'. Therefore, ask your doctor which vaccines are given at this age and when they should be given. Then you can get a clear idea.

Looking for inner happiness – Mental Health

Mental health is as important as physical health , especially for children of this age. They can face all kinds of pressures and challenges during this time. Schoolwork, problems with friends, concerns about their appearance, hormonal changes... all of these can affect their mood.

So, the doctor will also look for signs of mental health conditions like depression . This is done by talking to the child and sometimes asking you questions. What could be the signs?

• Getting angry quickly, always feeling anxious and sad.
• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy. For example, losing interest in playing, talking to friends, or engaging in hobbies.
• A sudden drop in schoolwork results and a loss of motivation to study.
• Big changes in sleep and eating patterns (sleeping a lot or losing sleep, eating a lot or losing appetite).
• In some extreme cases , talking about or hinting at suicide. If you see something like this, don't take it lightly, and seek professional help immediately.

If you continue to see one or two of these symptoms in your child, it is very important to talk openly with the doctor about it. Then, if necessary, you can help your child and provide the right guidance.

Are you doing any other tests? (Other Tests)

Yes, sometimes the doctor may order additional tests if he feels like it. These are not necessarily done for every child, but are done based on need and the child's individual risk factors.

• Anemia: This condition can occur at any age, especially when girls reach puberty and begin menstruating. It can also occur in boys.
• 'High Cholesterol' means an increase in fat in the blood: With the changes in modern food habits (fast food, processed food) and lifestyle, this can also affect young children. The risk is higher if someone in the family has it.
• Tuberculosis (TB): This is also a disease that is still seen in Sri Lanka. If the child has symptoms such as a persistent cough and weight loss, this is also checked.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): This is a sensitive topic, but it's important to get tested for it if it's in your child's best interest. Especially if your child is sexually active (although it's unlikely at this age, it's not something to ignore). It's important to talk openly with your doctor about this.

All of these tests are done to get a complete picture of the child's health. If there is a problem, it is important to identify it early and start treatment .

What can you do as a parent?

This health checkup is important for the baby as well as for you. So, as a parent, you can also contribute to this well.

• Inform your child in advance: Tell your child in advance, "We're going to see the doctor tomorrow. They'll check your height, weight, and examine your body. There's nothing to worry about. If you have anything to ask, you can ask." That way, they can prepare themselves mentally for it.
• Make a list of questions: If you have any questions about your child's health, development, behavior, eating, or sleep, ask them to the doctor. It's even better if you make a list so you don't forget anything. You can ask anything you can think of, like, 'My daughter isn't eating well,' 'My son isn't sleeping well at night, he's always on his phone.'
• Encourage your child to ask questions: Children this age may have questions about their bodies, their health, and changes. Teach them to ask the doctor about them. Encourage them to ask questions like, "Doctor, I feel tired these days, why is that?"
• Be supportive: Stay with your child during the test. If they are feeling scared or nervous, having you around is a great strength for them.
• Consider privacy: The doctor may sometimes want to talk to your child alone, especially about sensitive topics like mental health and sexual health. Give your child that opportunity at such times. This will allow your child to talk about their problems freely and without fear.

Why is this 13-year check-up so important?

Some may think, 'Our child is doing well, there is no illness, so why this check-up?' But this is very important. Let's see why.

• Early symptoms can be identified: There are some diseases that do not show major symptoms in the early stages. But they can be identified in a test like this. Then , treatment can be started early and the disease can be stopped from getting worse.
• Guidance on healthy habits: This age is a time when children begin to form important habits for their lives. You can get good advice from the doctor about things like eating, exercising, and sleeping. Also, this is a good time to talk about the importance of staying away from bad things like smoking, drugs, and unsafe sex.
• Build a good relationship with a doctor: As your child grows up, it's important to have a doctor they can trust to talk to about their health issues. Check-ups like this help build that relationship. The child also understands, 'Hey, if I have a problem, I have someone to ask.'
• A boost to mental health: As mentioned earlier, mental stress can come at this age. Talking about this with a doctor can be a great relief for both the child and you. If necessary, you can also get appropriate guidance.

Simply put, this is like laying a strong foundation for a child's future healthy, happy life.

So, the most important things to remember to take home (Take-Home Message)

Okay, let's now briefly review some of the things you need to remember from what we've talked about.

• Don't miss the 13-year Well-Child Visit. This is very important for the child's physical and mental development, and future health.
• During this test , height, weight, BMI, and blood pressure are measured. A complete physical exam is also performed.
• Be sure to talk to your doctor about vaccines and get them on time.
• Always pay attention to your child's mental health. If you notice any changes or concerns, tell your doctor .
• If necessary, tests can be done for things like anemia and cholesterol .
• As a parent , your role is also huge. Don't forget to prepare your child for this, ask questions of the doctor, and support your child.
• This check-up helps you identify diseases early, develop healthy habits, and build a good, trusting relationship with your doctor .

Remember, your child's health is the most valuable thing you have. With tests like these, you can further confirm and protect that health. If you have any questions, don't be afraid or hesitant to talk to a doctor.

` Child Health Checkup, 13 Year Check-up, Well-Child Visit, BMI, Vaccinations, Mental Health, Puberty