A very important role of pediatricians is to provide preventative care and anticipatory guidance. The physical exam, while important, is only a small part of the care we provide. By seeing children and their families at frequent intervals in their early years, we are able to screen for many different problems using a continuum of short questions. Areas of concern can be identified and appropriate interventions developed. We talk about diet, growth, and development at every visit. We provide routine immunizations from birth through adolescence. We also help parents anticipate normal physical and behavioral changes in their children and offer guidance on how to promote healthy development.