New guidelines released today by a leading U.S. pediatricians group recommend for the first time that healthy teens be screened for depression at their checkups, and that routine cholesterol testing begins in children at younger ages.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also has other changes in store for infants, children and teens during their regular doctor's visits, including HIV testing in teenagers, and evaluating toddlers' nutrition status for iron-deficiency anemia.

Last revised in 2007, the updated pediatric schedule released today (Feb. 23) includes several changes and new additions to the recommended screenings and health assessments done between infancy and adolescence. The schedule is meant as a guide for pediatricians to providing children with age-appropriate preventive care at their regular checkups.