The American Academy of Pediatrics has released new recommendations for children’s doctor visits, including an updated schedule of what needs to happen at each regular office visit for children and teens. According to the academy, the new schedule is a result of recent changes over the past two years in practice.
One important change is the recommendation that all children and young adults ages 11 through 21 receive a screening for high blood cholesterol levels. This is a result of increased concern over the growing obesity epidemic in children.
Another change drops the recommendation that 18 year olds have routine vision screening. Now, only those who are at risk of vision problems should be screened, as few vision problems develop in childhood.
The academy also recommends that children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years receive a fluoride varnish application on their teeth. This is to reduce the dental cavities that are common in young children.
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