Kids & Teens Wellness & Prevention

Children grow and change rapidly, so it is important that their health is maintained as their brains and bodies develop. For this reason, it is important that children regularly have well-child visits with Primary Care Partners of South Bend. We focus on kid’s wellness and prevention through well-child visits, specialty healthcare services, mental health services, and educating parents on sleep, behavior, and diet.

Well-Child Visits

During these well-child visits, the doctor performs a physical exam to assess vitals and physical health. Depending on the child’s age, they will also administer any necessary vaccines. These vaccines are essential to every kid’s wellness as they protect children from illnesses common in schools and daily life.  Additionally, they will track that your child is getting the necessary sleep, nutrition, and support they need to grow and flourish. Importantly, as parents, this is your time to voice any questions or concerns you have about your child’s health. We encourage you not to feel that the doctor needs to do all the talking and take the opportunity to speak up.

Staying Healthy

For growing kids and teenagers, healthy life choices are essential for development. Staying active through safe play or sports can keep children physically healthy. Additionally, eating fruits and vegetables every day will give them the energy they need to play and stay sharp.  Sleep is also an essential part of brain development. 3 to 12-year-olds need about 10 hours of sleep each night. Most kids stop napping by age 5. Also, teenagers still need at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Sometimes, phone and tablet screens and social pressures can prevent teenagers from getting the quality sleep they need.

Specialty Services

At Primary Care Partners of South Bend, we concern ourselves with kid’s wellness across several areas. For this reason, we offer many specialty services designed to help each child live confidently and comfortably. This way, we can work as a team to help children realize their full potentials. With our dermatology evaluations and treatments, we thoroughly examine any skin concerns. Through dermatology, we can rule out or diagnose potential skin conditions and set up treatment plans. We also offer ear piercing in our office with safe equipment. Additionally, we offer essential mental health and diagnostic care. 

Mental Health

As children grow older and into teenagers, monitoring mental health becomes just as important as physical health. It is important to address every child’s learning, thinking, and emotional concerns as early as possible. Primary Care Partners of South Bend begins screening every patient for depression at age 13. It is important to us that all developing kids receive support and quality care regarding their mental state. As children go through puberty, they will experience normal physical and emotional changes. However, it is important to note any unusual sadness, anxiety, or defiance and schedule an appointment with us before they become overwhelming. We offer several treatment options including counseling and medication.

Diagnostic Care

Play is an essential part of childhood, so injuries can be more common. Also, certain diseases and conditions can present themselves throughout childhood. For this reason, the doctors at Primary Care Partners of South Bend are prepared with diagnostic care such as X-Ray, EKG, and spirometry tests. We also run hemoglobin, diabetes, and urinalysis labs to diagnose children and put together treatment plans early. In our clinic, our primary goal is to make a healthy lifestyle easy for children and their caregivers. We offer many services and treatments to ensure every child thrives and receives all the help they need to live healthy, happy lives. Our mission is to treat every patient with high-quality care and the respect and dignity they deserve. To schedule an appointment, use the online appointment request form or give us a call at (574) 251-1200.

Drug and Alcohol Misuse Education

Drug and alcohol use becomes more common in teenagers as they become more independent and potentially pressured by their peers. Underage drinking and drug use can cause problems throughout the rest of a teenager’s life mentally, physically, academically, and socially. At Primary Care Partners of South Bend, we utilize the CRAFFT screening tool. This tool asks adolescents questions about their involvement with and feelings about drugs and alcohol. This questionnaire is filled out, reviewed, and discussed in confidence. We ask that parents do not remain in the room for this screening so we can communicate openly and honestly with your teen. We want to make sure teens understand the developmental risks and how drugs and alcohol could affect their lives. To schedule a well-child visit with Primary Care Partners of South Bend, contact us online give us a call at (574) 251-1200.