The Kindergarten Checkup is very important for several reasons.  First of all, it is a time that your child can get all the necessary immunizations to begin school.  Usually this means he or she will receive at least three shots, so this may be something you will want to prepare your child for.  Remember to stress that they need these shots not just to go to school but also to keep them healthy!  Also, at this visit we will be doing a CBC (complete blood count) and a Urinalysis.  Hearing will be checked also, and your child screened once again to assess development and school readiness.  Because of a new KY law, we no longer will be screening vision at the Kindergarten check up. Bring any special school forms with you, and make sure you get a copy of the immunization certificate before you leave!  We try to make this a fun visit, and also do our best to encourage excitement about starting school.  If you have any special concerns, or know of anything your child is worried about that we can address, please let us know!!!!!

      The Adolescent Checkup encompasses ages 12 to 17.  We encourage every two year checkups after the sixth grade, which works out to be ages 13, 15, 17.  If immunizations need to be updated, we will do so at these visits, but generally after the 11 year old  (sixth grade) visit your child is done with shots for awhile!
     What can you and your teen expect?  Well, first off, you have your choice of either a male or a female doctor, so make sure if your child has a preference that you ask for who you want.  This isn't always an issue, but when it is, it is nice to let your child have a choice!
     We will ask many questions at this visit, including some which may require us to ask mom or dad to step out of the room.  We want your teen to feel comfortable enough to ask the questions that they may have without feeling embarrassed, "stupid", or concerned with "getting in trouble" with their parents.  In our opinion, not asking the questions is usually a big part of the "trouble" to begin with!
     Things that will be addressed include menses, diet, exercise, family history of heart problems, weight, school, safety, smoking, sex and/or sexual development, and drug usage.  If you have specific concerns, let us know and we can address them also.
     Physical exam will be head to toe, and we may choose to screen vision, hearing, urine, or blood as deemed necessary or appropriate for your child.  If you have concerns about conditions that run in your family, make sure we are aware of them, so we can answers your questions!