Summer is a great time to take advantage of your open schedule and get your kids in for their well child checks.

You can eliminate two tasks with one effort by getting in before school starts, completing both an annual exam and your children’s sport physicals (the earlier, the better) before any athletic practices begin. Getting a well child check each year helps identify any delays or health needs, allowing your provider to treat concerns early, lessening their impact.

Summer is an ideal time to complete a well child check when there is no school schedule to work around and you have more choices of appointment times.

During well child checks, your provider will review your child’s height and weight and calculate their body mass index (BMI) to ensure they are growing as expected. Vitals are also checked, including blood pressure, heart rate and breathing, along with a head-to-toe exam. Your child will also get recommended immunizations, if due. It’s the perfect time to discuss any concerns you might have about your child’s health.

The staff at Prowers Medical Center Clinic recommend that parents put a piece of paper on their fridge and jot down questions as they come to mind, so they don’t forget to ask during the appointment. Some parents may take their kids to get shots at public health, which is fine, but a well child check is still encouraged so they receive a developmental screen.

Well child checks must be scheduled more frequently if you have a baby or toddler. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends babies be seen within 2 to 4 days of birth, then at 1 month, 2 months, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months old. For toddlers, the AAP recommends well child checks at 2 years and 2 ½ years. From then on, the recommendation is yearly.

A favorite part of the checks for parents is to see how their young children place on the growth charts. It’s one way providers like to ensure kids are growing well and meeting milestones.

Your Provider will not only consider how a child is developing physically, but they will also cover the emotional, educational and social aspects of growth. With older kids, there are screenings for depression, reproductive health, risk management and safety issues including seat belt and helmet use.

If your children are due for their annual well child checks, call the Prowers Medical Center Clinic at (719) 336-6767 to schedule an appointment before school starts. Well child exams are covered at 100 percent by both private insurance and Medicaid — copay free. The Prowers Medical Clinic has several providers for you to choose from.

Once you have established with a provider for a well child check, you will know where you should go when you need treatment if your child gets sick or injured.