Presbyterian Health Plan | Summer 2019 | Your Story

Back-to-school time…again? During the summer months, when relaxing in the pool and the kids are on school break, the last thing on our minds may be thinking about taking our kids to see their primary care provider (PCP). Taking your child to see their PCP or pediatrician can help make sure that your child is healthy, up-to-date with their immunizations (shots), and ready for back-to-school in August. At your child’s provider visit, the PCP will make sure your child is ready for the new school year by doing various screenings. Wonder if your child can see the whiteboard in the classroom? Have the PCP complete a quick vision screening. Want to make sure your child has a bright, white smile for picture day? Have the PCP give your child a referral to the dentist for their annual dental visit. Is your child active and involved in school sports? Simply take the school form with you to your child’s PCP visit so that your child can get their sports physical done. Having your child see their PCP on a regular basis will improve your child’s health and well-being for many years to come. Help keep themhealthy Your child’s provider visits give you the chance to ask questions or talk about issues that you have about your child’s well-being, mental health, or development (growth). For example, you can ask the PCP about your child’s eating habits, behavior, or sleeping problems. Child provider visits are also a great way for your child to learn more about healthy eating habits and physical activity. Let your child’s PCP know if they play sports, ride bikes, or exercise. Does your child love fruit but has a hard time eating their veggies? Share this with your child’s PCP too! By keeping track of your child’s diet and physical activity, you can help prevent your child from being overweight—a national health problem that can put your child at serious risk for health issues, as they grow older. Your child’s PCP can tell you what the recommended body mass index (BMI) for your child’s height and weight should be. Every child provider visit is a chance to find any health risks and avoid them to make sure your child is on their way to excellent health! Together, you and your child’s PCP can be sure that your child is more than ready for back-to-school! Source: American Academy of Pediatrics Your Story is published for members of Presbyterian Health Plan, Inc., and Presbyterian Insurance Company, Inc. P.O. Box 27489 Albuquerque, NM 87125-7489 www.phs.org Managing editor: fluentqc@phs.org Information in Your Story comes from a wide range of medical experts. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. 2019 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. MPC051936 Your story Díí baa akó nínízin: Díí saad bee yání ł ti’go Diné Bizaad, saad bee áká’ánída’áwo’d66’, t’áá jiik’eh éí ná hól=, koj8’ hódíílnih (505) 923-5420 , 1-855-592-7737 ( TTY: 711) .