The Essential Four-Year-Old Health Check: What Every Parent Needs to Know

In this episode of This Could Save Your Life podcast, hosts Dr Catherine Bourke and Dr Anna Mullins delve into the importance of the four-year-old health check. The value of continuing care from pregnancy through the first five years of life and how these regular check-ups play a critical role in monitoring a child's health and development.

Anna and Catherine provide a detailed overview of the key components involved in a four-year-old health check. Including screening for developmental milestones across four major areas: gross motor function, cognition and fine motor skills, communication, and social and emotional development. They emphasise that early intervention helps in addressing any concerns that may arise during these assessments.

They also covered the physical examination aspect of the health check, focusing on ears, eyes, dental, growth charts for height and weight, and the importance of discussing bowel health with children and their families.

They share insights into preventative health measures for this age group, topics such as sun safety, sleep hygiene, screen time, physical activity, and the benefits of reading with children. Along with the significance of these measures in promoting long-term health and school readiness.

Links & Resources: 

• https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/nutrition-fitness/physical-activity/physical-activity-how-much
• https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/play-learning/media-technology/screen-time

This Could Save Your Life Podcast is under The Good GP podcast, a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network