Hi there! Today, we’re going to talk about what happens when you visit the doctor. My friend, Dr. Erin Carroll, is here to help us understand everything, so you won’t feel nervous about your next appointment.
When you first arrive at the doctor’s office, you’ll spend some time in the waiting room. There might be other kids there, some of whom might be sick. But don’t worry, there are often games and toys to play with while you wait.
After waiting, a nurse or medical assistant will take you to another room. They’ll check your vital signs, which means they’ll see how fast your heart is beating, how quickly you’re breathing, and if you have a fever. They might also check your blood pressure, which is like giving your arm a gentle hug.
The nurse will also weigh you and measure your height. They might check your temperature by putting a small tube in your ear. This doesn’t hurt at all!
Sometimes, they’ll put a little device on your finger to check how much oxygen is in your blood. It doesn’t hurt and just makes your finger glow red for a moment, which is pretty cool!
Next, you’ll go into the doctor’s office. You might need to put on a gown and sit on a table with crinkly paper. The doctor will ask you questions about how you’re feeling, how you’re doing at school, and how things are at home.
The doctor will look at your eyes, ears, nose, and throat. They’ll listen to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope. None of this hurts, and it’s just to make sure everything is working well.
The doctor might ask you to lie down so they can check your belly. They’ll gently press on different parts to make sure everything feels okay. They might also listen to your belly to hear how your food is moving through it.
Sometimes, you might need to get a shot. Shots can sting a little, but they are very important to keep you healthy. They help protect you from getting sick.
Remember, doctors are people too, and they’re here to help you stay healthy. They want to make sure you’re feeling great and getting along well with your family and friends.
If you’re interested in becoming a doctor, it takes a lot of school, but it’s worth it! Doctors get to help people and work with kids, which is amazing.
We hope this helps you feel more comfortable about visiting the doctor. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
Role-Play Doctor Visit: Gather some toys and pretend to be a doctor, nurse, or patient. Take turns with your friends or family members playing different roles. Use a toy stethoscope, a measuring tape for height, and a toy thermometer. Practice checking each other’s “vital signs” and asking questions like a real doctor would. This will help you understand what happens during a doctor’s visit and make it fun!
Heart Rate Experiment: Find your pulse on your wrist or neck. Count how many times your heart beats in one minute. Try doing this while sitting still, then again after jumping up and down for a minute. Notice how your heart rate changes. Discuss why you think your heart beats faster after exercise and how this relates to what the nurse checks during a visit.
Draw Your Doctor’s Visit: Use crayons or markers to draw a picture of what happens when you visit the doctor. Include the waiting room, the nurse checking your vital signs, and the doctor examining you. Share your drawing with your family and explain each part of your visit. This will help you remember what to expect and feel more comfortable next time you go to the doctor.
