Your 7-year-old's Well-Child Visit: Should We Be Informed?

Is your son or daughter seven years old now? This is a special time. They are growing up, developing their own opinions, and becoming interested in schoolwork. So it is very important to talk to a doctor about your child's health, development, and behavior during this time, a so-called ``Well-Child Visit.'' Let's see what happens during this ``Well-Child Visit'' and what you should expect.

What happens when you meet Mr./Ms. Doctor?

When you go to see the doctor, the doctor or nurse there will check many things about your child. There is nothing to worry about, all of this is done for the child's best interest.

1. How to check weight, height, and BMI

The first thing you do is measure the child's weight and height and record it. Then, using that data, you calculate the body mass index, or ``BMI - Body Mass Index'' . All of these things are plotted on a ``growth chart'' to see if the child's growth is appropriate for his or her age and is happening at the right pace. This can give you a good idea of ​​the child's nutritional status.

2. Blood Pressure Measurement

Next, the child's blood pressure is measured. A commonly used device is used for this. This is done in a way that fits in small hands, so it is not uncomfortable for the child.

3. Questions the doctor asks and advice you can give

The doctor will ask you and your child questions. This is the best time to talk about your concerns and fears. The doctor will give you valuable advice. The main topics will be:

Let's take care of food and drink.

A child this age should be fed three main meals and one or two nutritious snacks a day. The food given to the child should be balanced. That is, lean protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy should definitely be included in the diet.

Consider giving 600 milliliters (about 2 ½ cups) of low-fat milk per day, other similar low-fat dairy products, or fortified soy milk.

Reduce the amount of sugar, salt, and fat in your diet. Don't give more than 120-180 ml (about half a cup) of 100% fruit juice per day. Some children are picky eaters . Even for such children, continue to introduce a variety of healthy foods. Encourage your child to try new foods, but never force them to eat. Teach your child to recognize when they are hungry and when they are full.

Toilet habits and bedwetting

Even at this age, some children, especially boys and those who sleep a lot, may experience bedwetting . In most cases, this will go away on its own over time. However, if this continues to be a problem, it is a good idea to talk to a doctor.

How important is sleep?

A seven-year-old child definitely needs between 9 and 12 hours of sleep per night . If the child does not get enough sleep, he may have behavioral problems and may have difficulty paying attention to his studies at school. Therefore, make it a habit to put your child to bed at the same time every day. It is also good to practice doing something light, calming before bed (relaxing bedtime routine). Do not keep digital devices such as TVs, phones, and tablets in the bedroom.

Play, exercise your body.

A child of this age should be given at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Also, screen time should be limited, such as TV, video games, smartphones, tablets, and computers.

How is the child's growth and development? `(Growth and Development)`

By the age of seven, many children show symptoms like these:

• Showing more independence from parents and family.
• They usually form a group of friends of their own gender.
• I admire role models like professional athletes, actors, and superheroes.
• Understands the difference between right and wrong .
• I like to read books .
• The time you can stay focused increases.
• Think more systematically and logically when solving problems.
• Performs more well-coordinated tasks, like shooting a basketball.

4. Physical Examination

The doctor will do a complete physical exam of your child. This may include listening to the heart and lungs, checking for cavities in the teeth, and observing the way the child walks. Some children start showing signs of puberty as early as age 7, so the doctor will also check for this. It is important to have a parent or guardian present during this exam.

5. Are the vaccines given correctly?

Vaccines can protect children from serious diseases. Therefore, it is very important to vaccinate your child on time. Vaccination schedules may vary slightly from one medical center to another. Therefore, talk to your doctor to find out exactly what is required.

6. Tests as required

If necessary, the doctor may order tests to see if the child has anemia or tuberculosis .

Keep these things in mind until you are 8 years old.

It's a good idea to pay attention to these things until your child's next medical checkup, which is at age 8.

How is school going?

• Involve your child in various activities . For example, music, art, sports, after-school clubs, and other things he or she is interested in.
• Praise your child when they do something successfully. If your child is having difficulty with something, support them.
• If your child is struggling in school, it could be a sign of a learning disability , attention problems, or bullying . Talk to your child's teacher about any concerns you may have. This can help your child get the help they need to succeed in their education.

Raising awareness of the child's "I" and body

• Help your child understand that their body is changing, and that this is normal . Teach them the correct names of body parts and explain their functions.
• Tell your child that no adult has the right to ask you to keep a secret . Make it clear that no one should look at or touch a child's private parts, or ask them to look at or touch their private parts .
• Find out if your child brushes their teeth twice a day, flosses once a day, and sees a dentist every 6 months .
• If your child breaks the rules, give them fair and consistent consequences . Don't hit or spank your child.
• Instill a sense of responsibility in your child. Assign simple household chores like making the bed and setting the table.

Safety First!

We need to be very concerned about the safety of children of this age.

• Keep your child in the back seat of a car. Use a belt-positioning booster seat until your child is 4 feet 9 inches (150 centimeters) tall. Children usually reach this height between the ages of 8 and 12.
• Make sure your child wears a helmet when riding a bike, skateboard, or scooter. Also make sure they use proper safety equipment, such as mouth guards and knee and elbow pads, when playing sports.
• Teach your child the skills they need to cross the road on their own (looking both ways, listening for traffic). However, help your child cross the road until they are about 10 years old.
• Teach what to do in an emergency , how to call emergency numbers (e.g. 119 for police, 1990 for ambulance service) , and when.
• Teach your child to swim , but don't let him swim unless an adult is watching.
• Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before your child goes outside to play. Reapply every two hours.
• Protect your child from secondhand smoke .
• Explain to your child why it is never a good idea to use cigarettes or other tobacco products, e-cigarettes, drugs, or alcohol .
• Monitor your child's Internet use . Keep the family computer where you can see what your child is doing. Set up safety filters , check the browser history to see what websites your child visits. Teach your child to never share personal information online .
• Protect your child from gun injuries . Do not keep a gun in the house. If you do, keep it locked up, empty of ammunition. Keep ammunition locked up separately. Keep keys out of the reach of children.
• If you have questions about your living situation, talk to your doctor. Do you have what you need to care for your child? Do you have enough food, a safe place to live, and health insurance ? Your doctor can tell you about community resources or refer you to a social worker .

Finally, things to remember

So, this seven-year ``Well-Child Visit'' is a good opportunity to talk with the doctor not only about your child's health and growth, but also about their mental, social, and emotional development.

Remember, not all children are the same. Their growth rate and behavior patterns may vary. So, if you have any doubts or concerns about your child, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor. The doctor is there to help you and your child.

By following these tips, you can set your child on the path to a healthy, happy future. Keep these things in mind until next year, when your child will have their 8th birthday test.

` Child Health, 7 Year Checkup, Well-Child Visit, Child Development, Child Nutrition, Child Safety, Vaccination