Page 48 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2017

HEALTHY LIVING kids care
story by Lisa Kröger
Most parents visit a doctor with a sick child, but it’s equally as important to schedule well-child appointments, usually once a year.
“From a provider standpoint, a well-child visit is about health maintenance,” says Rachael Nuschke, a family nurse practitioner at The Children’s Clinic in Long Beach. “We’re seeing if vaccines are up-to-date, and we look at growth charts.”
But these visits are more than just learning a child’s height and weight. “It’s important for parents
to know age-appropriate milestones,” explains Nuschke. “For example, by age three, a child should be able to put two or three words together in a sentence.”
Liz Paige, director of the toddler program at Coast Episcopal School, says these well-child visits are crucial because the earlier a problem is diagnosed, the better the chance of success. Trained in child and family development, Paige knows the milestones,
but parents don’t always recognize what is age- appropriate behavior. “Parents sometimes don’t think about these things, but that’s where a pediatrician can help,” she said.
“I play with kids a lot in my visits, but I’m really watching to see how they move and interact socially,” says Nuschke.
These milestones are not just for babies and toddlers; preteens and teenagers have important
milestones too. “I look for scoliosis, especially in adolescent girls,” she said. “Older children have
important behavior screenings for things such as depression. I’m also monitoring puberty changes.”
Pediatricians will screen for autism and watch the development of the brain, eyes, teeth, and fine motor skills, as well as monitor diet and exercise. They also advise on changing guidelines regarding car seat and seat belt safety, as well as helmet and life vest use.
The most important thing, according to both Nuschke and Paige, is that parents find a pediatrician they trust and keep seeing the same provider over the years. Parents should also be honest with questions
and concerns. Most doctors want to help, and that’s precisely what these well-child visits are for.
“I don’t care if the mom thinks it’s the craziest question in the world,” Nuschke says. “I just want to help get an answer.”
48 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • January 2017
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
Memorial Physician Clinics — The Children’s Clinic
20091 Pineville Road, Long Beach 228.868.3684