Hesse expands child health checks with two new voluntary screenings for ages 7–10
Hesse expands child health checks with two new voluntary screenings for ages 7–10
Preventive Examinations Also for Adolescents - Hesse expands child health checks with two new voluntary screenings for ages 7–10
Hesse has expanded its child health check-up programme to include two new voluntary examinations. These additions aim to fill the gap between existing mandatory checks for younger children and the later J1 youth assessment. Authorities are also pushing to boost participation in the voluntary J1 check-up through personal invitations.
In Hesse, nine mandatory paediatric check-ups (U-Untersuchungen) are required for all children from birth to age six. The first, U1, takes place immediately after delivery, while the last, U9, occurs around the child's sixth birthday. Before this system became compulsory, participation stood at around 85%. Since then, attendance has risen sharply, with U4 reaching 100% in 2024 and U8 and U9 both exceeding 95%.
To ensure families attend, written invitations and reminders are sent for each check-up. If a child repeatedly misses appointments, the youth welfare office may be notified. The goal is to catch health issues or developmental delays as early as possible.
Two new voluntary check-ups, U10 (for ages seven to eight) and U11 (for ages nine to ten), have now been introduced. These bridge the gap between U9 and the J1 youth health examination, which remains optional. The J1, designed for 12- to 14-year-olds, will not become compulsory, but Hesse plans to increase uptake by sending personal invitations to families.
No official data on J1 participation rates in Hesse for 2023 is currently available. Such figures would require access to reports from the state's health ministry or public health authorities.
The expanded check-up programme in Hesse now covers more age groups, though U10 and U11 remain outside standard health insurance benefits. With high attendance in mandatory checks and targeted efforts to raise J1 participation, the state continues to focus on early detection of health concerns. Families receive direct reminders to ensure children do not miss these assessments.
Low-dose nanoplastics in water harm gut and liver health, study finds
Your drinking water may hold hidden dangers. Scientists uncover how tiny plastic particles harm organs—and why diet makes it worse.
Five hospitalized after carbon monoxide leak from faulty chimney in Ludwigsburg
A silent killer struck a Ludwigsburg home when a chimney flaw filled it with odorless gas. Families now face the hidden dangers of carbon monoxide.
Boy, 9, survives brain bleed after scooter fall initially dismissed as minor
His scooter tumble looked harmless at first. Hours later, surgeons raced to save his life from a hidden brain bleed.
Sakhalin Oblast bets on wellness tourism to double visitor numbers
A remote Russian region transforms into a global wellness hub. Rare mineral springs and tailored health retreats could redefine travel—and local lives.