Health Checkups Your Kids Shouldn't Miss During COVID-19

It is ironic that during a global health pandemic, people are going to the doctor even less than before. Most of this hesitance to visit a doctor or dentist is fueled by the fear of catching the coronavirus in a medical setting. However, it is critical to understand that you could be dealing your child a worse fate by simply ignoring these medical checkups because you are nervous about the risk of contracting COVID-19. Here are four health checkups that your kids should not miss during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Immunizations

There has been alarming news coming from medical professionals about the significant drop in vaccination rates as a result of the pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many children across the country have fallen behind on their immunizations. It is clear that parents are putting off vaccinations because they are worried about visiting the doctor. It is vital that you do not put off your child's regular immunization schedule. Doing so could have disastrous consequences for the health of your child and others around you. While it may be acceptable to delay a well-check slightly if you have no pressing concerns and you do not have a vaccination due, it is never a good idea to put off getting these vital shots.

Chronic Disease Checkups

It goes without saying that it is imperative that your child sticks with a regular checkup schedule if they suffer from any chronic health conditions. Your medical care provider will understand how to take the proper precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. While it may seem that catching COVID-19 is the biggest risk that your child faces, it is a good idea to really delve into the numbers and compare that risk with proper precautions against the dangers of ignoring chronic health conditions. You may find that your risk assessment is off when you really look at the numbers. This is particularly important if your child suffers from a condition that greatly affects their quality of life.

Dental and Orthodontic Appointments

You cannot afford to neglect your oral health during this unprecedented time. Ignoring any dental issues can cost you more money and lead to more pain down the road. If your child is due for their dental checkup and your provider is open for business, it is important to keep this appointment. You may find that your dentist in Palmdale CA or your particular area is dedicated to keeping their patients and employees safe by instituting the highest level of personal protective equipment and employing a top standard of hygiene and cleaning practices. If you feel anxious about this experience, be sure to do your research to find a provider that is taking the proper preventative measures to keep everyone healthy. In addition to keeping with your regular dental checkups, it is also important to make sure that your child is getting the appropriate orthodontic care. For example, if your child is in braces, failing to have their wires adjusted at the right intervals could set their progress back significantly.

Eyesight Assessments

You should also not let your child miss any of their eye appointments. Many eyesight issues in children are brought to the attention of parents by teachers who notice the student straining to see things in the classroom. If your child is not in a physical classroom, they may be missing out on this valuable input from educators. Taking your child in for regular eye appointments will ensure that they are getting the attention that they need in order to diagnose potential issues.

While it may be hard to picture yourself in a medical clinic during the time of a health pandemic, it is important to keep in mind that these facilities are trained to mitigate the spread of the virus. In some ways, you are safer in a professional medical clinic than at the grocery store. You may be hurting your child's overall health more if you neglect to follow through with any of these appointments. Once you realize the extent of the precautions being taken by providers, you will feel more at ease about not putting off these vital child well-care visits.