Visits to the doctor are an essential step in keeping healthy. You should ask your doctor about certain medical screenings that you should have regularly, depending on your age. There are certain medical tests that every person should have at some point in their life.
Which health screenings you should have and when usually depends on your gender and age. Below, learn all about health screenings, which screenings you may want to look into receiving, and when you should look into them.
The amount of preventive screenings that are generally good to get as we age increases as we get older. However, there are certain preventative check-ups that children can receive too!
Health screenings for toddlers, babies and older children include tests that check for any physical health issues and screenings for developmental issues.
A developmental screening puts a magnifying glass on how a child is developing mentally and could include evaluations of their use of language, movement, thinking, emotions, and behavior. This type of screening is recommended for children aged 9 months, 18 months, and 30 months old. Relatedly, it is also recommended that young children are screened for autism spectrum disorder at 18 and 24 months of age.
Here are two serious health issues that children age 2 through 12 years can be screened for:
Obesity: This is a growing issue for children in the United States. Being obese can have numerous health consequences including joint problems, sleep issues, high cholesterol, and even psychological problems. Children who are obese have more chances of having heart disease, certain cancers, and strokes when they are adults. To screen for obesity, a doctor will usually use a body mass index (BMI) scale.
Lead poisoning: Lead is a toxic metal that was once commonly used in paint, pipes, and canned food. Today we know that lead poisoning can cause brain and organ damage in children. Due to these risks, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children are screened for lead exposure at 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months and at ages 3, 4, 5, and 6.
Next, discover the types of medical screenings that can be beneficial for women to receive.
