While you and your children are busy having fun and enjoying all of the summer activities and festivities, summer can also be a good time to take care of some of those general care things that get put off during the bustle of the school year—trips to the dentist and having the annual physical check-up are good things to do in the summer, as is having a child’s sight and hearing checked.
It might not necessarily be easier to get an appointment in the summer months since doctors and dentists do take vacations, but your child’s schedule may be more flexible so it might be easier on your end. Also, if a child does need to get glasses or have any other tests or therapy, summer gives them the time to adjust and learn how to cope with a newly-diagnosed sight or hearing issue before school starts in the fall.
As a matter of fact, summer can be the perfect time for such things. The child has an open schedule and many parents have more flexible schedules or at least vacation time during the summer months that make it easier to arrange for appointments and treatment. Additionally, there is not the same pressure to do something quickly and you can take your time choosing glasses, or getting a second opinion or scheduling any follow-up that needs to be done. Children also are less stressed in the summer and may be more patient with going through the process of having their eyesight or hearing checked by a professional.
Make appointments as soon as possible to allow for the vagaries of the season. If your child is in need of any immunizations or other medical check-ups, consider scheduling them as early in the summer as possible to allow for any follow-up that might be needed. This way, you will be able to enjoy the summer holidays and still make the most of the time off and get everything taken care of BEFORE it gets hectic again in September.
See Also: The HEALTH Blog