Aspirus | Aspire | Fall 2018

THERE are many ways to express your love as a parent, from wiping away tears to reading a book at bedtime. But keeping your child healthy and safe counts too. One of the best ways to protect your child is to take him or her for an annual well-child checkup. A well-child exam gives your child’s doctor a chance to check your child’s overall health, look for any emerging problems, answer questions and offer advice about staying healthy. According to Keith Bratulich, MD, family medicine provider at Aspirus clinics in Medford, Phillips and Rib Lake, here’s what to expect: A physical exam. Among other things, the doctor will measure your child’s height and weight, listen to the heart and lungs, and press lightly on the abdomen to check the health of internal organs. A developmental assessment. The doctor may ask about emotional and behavioral health. For example, you may discuss a baby’s developmental milestones—such as smiling, clapping and learning to walk—or how older children are doing in school. A preventive medicine checkup. Your child may get screening tests. For example, at some visits vision or hearing may be tested. Doctors may also test lead and cholesterol levels and for diseases such as tuberculosis. A review of your child’s vaccinations. Vaccines can protect your child from 16 dangerous and sometimes deadly diseases, including measles, polio, whooping cough and diphtheria. Your child needs every recommended shot. Get thevaxfacts “Even if a disease has almost disappeared from the U.S., the germs that cause it still exist, especially in other parts of the world,” Dr. Bratulich said. “Unvaccinated travelers can spread them, as was the case during recent measles outbreaks. And if an unvaccinated child is exposed to those germs, he or she could get seriously sick with an avoidable disease. The child could also bring those germs to school and get other kids sick—including those who can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons.” Most vaccines are 90 to 99 percent effective. If a vaccinated child does get sick, the symptoms are usually less severe than in an unvaccinated child. If you’re concerned about the possible side effects of vaccines, know this: Vaccines are extremely safe. “There may be mild side effects, such as swelling and tenderness at the injection site,” Dr. Bratulich said. “Your child might also run a slight fever and be fussy for a short time, but serious side effects are rare.” HEALTHYKIDSNEEDCHECKUPS! Aspirus providers are here to help your family stay healthy. If you or your kids need help finding a doctor, go to aspirus.org or call the Aspirus Customer Contact Center at 800.847.4707 . Keith Bratulich, MD Check off a checkup aspirus.org 5