The Rudd Government has provided $25.6 million over four years to make sure that every four year old can be provided with a free health check. It is expected that up to 250,000 health assessments will be provided each year under this program.

The Healthy Kids Check can help parents make sure that any existing or emerging medical problems are detected before their children take their biggest step – starting school.

The check will include a basic assessment of a child’s health and include things like weight, height, eyesight and hearing. The Healthy Kids Check is provided through a Medicare rebate.

In conjunction with the Healthy Kids Check, parents and carers will be provided with a copy of Get Set 4 Life – Habits for Healthy Kids, a booklet designed to help parents with developing life-long healthy routines in their children.

The booklet covers a wide range of different topics and issues that are particularly important for children of pre-school age. A great aspect of Get Set 4 Life is that it is designed for kids too – with stickers and a poster to help reinforce healthy habits.

The Guide is available now and general practitioners are able to order the Guide online at www.health.gov.au/epc