A Doctor is the name for a lady or a man who knows a lot about the human body and who knows how to treat it. After they have finished grade 12, these people would carry on to a special school for the next 4 - 7 years, learning all about how the human body works and what to do when certain illness and disease occur within a person's body.

During the months and years to come, it is important for you to have regular check-ups with the doctor and dentist to ensure that you are growing into a strong and healthy boy or girl. There are a number of regular tests that the doctor may do in order to find out if all of your body systems are OK.

When you arrive at the doctor's office for your first checkup, your mom or dad will be asked by a nurse or receptionist a great many questions to learn every detail of your health background. The doctor will want to know about your family medical history as it often relates to your personal health as you are growing.

Because the doctor is usually a busy person, you may have to wait in a "waiting room" for a few minutes, which is an area where you can look at books or play with a few toys. This is an area where children should not be too loud as it would disturb other waiting patients. When the doctor is ready to see you, the receptionist or a nurse will ask your mom or dad to bring you to a treatment room. Usually the doctor will not be in the room when you get there but will join you shortly.

When you go to the doctor's office, quite often it is only for a check-up to see if all your body functions are working properly. On the following pages, you will find some of the more common tests that the doctor might do. You can be very helpful to your doctor during the examination if you will keep as relaxed as possible.