Your 2026 Wellness Checklist: What to Cover at Your Annual Exam This Year

The start of a new year is the perfect time to prioritize your child's health. An annual wellness exam gives you and your family doctor a chance to review your child's growth and development, catch potential issues early, and set goals for the year ahead. 

At Premier Medical Pediatrics Clinic in Perry, FL, we help children of all ages by providing comprehensive exams tailored to their needs. If you're ready to get started or learn more, call today to schedule an appointment. Check out this preventative care checklist below. 

Review medical history and growth 

Your child's annual wellness exam starts with a review of their medical history. This includes any changes since the last visit, like new symptoms, illnesses, or injuries. Your doctor will also track your child's growth, including height, weight, and BMI, to ensure they're developing appropriately. 

If you've noticed changes in your child's mood, energy, sleep, appetite, or behavior at school, this is the time to mention it. These details help your provider get a more complete picture of your child's health and identify areas that may need attention. 

Update vaccinations 

Staying current on vaccinations is a key part of preventative care for children. Depending on your child's age, they may need boosters or additional vaccines to protect against illnesses, such as measles, tetanus, HPV, and the flu. 

Your provider will review your child's vaccination records and let you know what's due. Keeping up with vaccines protects your child and helps prevent the spread of disease in the community. 

Complete routine health screenings 

Health screening tests are essential for catching issues before they become serious. Depending on your child's age, our preventative care checklist may include:  

• Vision and hearing tests 
• Blood pressure check 
• Blood tests 
• Developmental and behavioral screenings 
• Scoliosis screening for older children and teens 

These screenings catch problems early when they're easier to address. Your doctor in Perry, FL, will recommend which tests are appropriate based on your child's age and health history. 

Discuss lifestyle habits and concerns 

An annual wellness exam is a great opportunity to talk about habits that impact your child's health. This includes nutrition, physical activity, screen time, sleep, and social interactions. Your provider can offer guidance on encouraging healthy habits at home and at school. 

If your child is dealing with challenges, like trouble sleeping, anxiety, difficulty focusing, or social issues, bring it up. These concerns are just as important as physical health and deserve attention. 

Set health goals for the year 

One of the most valuable parts of the exam is setting health goals for your child. Whether you want to improve their nutrition, increase physical activity, or support their emotional well-being, your family doctor can help you create a realistic plan. 

Health goals work best when they're specific and age-appropriate. Your provider can help you break down larger goals into manageable steps and schedule follow-up appointments to track your progress. 

Support your child's growth and development 

An annual wellness exam is one of the best investments you can make in your child's health. It's a chance to catch problems early and work with your family doctor to support their growth and well-being. At Premier Medical Pediatrics Clinic in Perry, FL, we can provide a preventative care checklist so you can be prepared at each stage. Call today to schedule your annual wellness exam and give your child a healthy start to the year.