Now that school is back in session, many parents are still playing catch-up—getting extra folders, finding that specific (and expensive!) calculator for algebra or the mouth guard for lacrosse practice.
In the rush to take care of the many chores related to the new school year, well-child checkups can get overlooked.
The National Institutes of Health reports that keeping up with these annual visits reduces hospitalizations and emergency department visits. Despite that, 30% to 50% of children and teens miss these crucial appointments.
“These are important physical and mental screenings of developmental growth to address concerns and nip them in the bud,” said Mitchell Rosenbloom, senior community health worker at Child and Teen Checkups. The federal program provides comprehensive health care and dental services for children under the age of 21 who are eligible for Medicaid.
As a father of four young children, Rosenbloom practices what he preaches with his own family,
making sure they see their health care providers. Many Minnesota families fell off the regular checkup schedule for their children during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not returned to the practice. But he stresses that those annual screenings are critical for a child’s good health.
“These are the checks that can identify and stop a problem from getting worse,” Rosenbloom said. “It’s preventative care that addresses physical, mental and dental needs that should be addressed annually.”
Annual physical exams include age-appropriate testing. For example, a child between the ages of 12 to 24 months will be checked for lead exposure as well as developmental milestones.
“Is the child waving and smiling?” Rosenbloom explained.
Doctors also discuss safety behaviors, like the consistent use of seatbelts and helmets. They talk with student-athletes about nutritious eating, safe exercise practices, or how to manage a physical condition like diabetes or asthma while playing sports.
Dental checkups are another key component of child and teen care and should be scheduled every 6 months. Early checkups prevent cavities and tooth decay which, left untreated, can lead to pain, trouble concentrating in school and other health issues. According to the US Centers for Disease Control, 2 in 5 children have tooth decay in their baby teeth by the time they reach kindergarten.
As children get older, mental health screenings begin. They are recommended for children from 6 to 10 years old and required for those the between the ages of 12 to 20 years.
“We know mental health is essential, with studies showing 50% of mental health issues present when a child is 14 years old and younger and 73% before the age of 24,” Rosenbloom added.
The cost of regular medical screenings can be a barrier, but Child and Teen Checkups provides necessary care to families that qualify.
“Some people think they don’t qualify for care, so they don’t go.” Rosenbloom said. “I recommend families go to their county services to determine if they meet the threshold for assistance.”
Child and Teen Checkups assists qualifying families to make the care easy and accessible. They handle the scheduling of medical checkups and dental appointments as well as referrals for specialized care.
“We also provide transportation and interpreter services where needed. Essentially, we navigate the health care system for you,” Rosenbloom explained.
As hectic as back-to-school can be, families are urged to make time to prioritize every student's health.
“Early intervention is key and preventative care is the best care,” Rosenbloom said.
Find out more about Child and Teen Checkups, including information on qualification at: www.hennepin.us/checkups .
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