When your child enters school, you want your child to enjoy good health. That's why your child needs a school physical. School physicals are also required for your child to enter school. Dr. Eva Chan and Dr. Jackyln Chan at Fairway Children's Medical Group in West Covina, CA, provide comprehensive pediatric medical services, including school physicals, to help your child stay healthy.
What You Need To Know About School Physicals
So, what can you expect during a school physical? During a yearly school physical, your pediatrician will:
- Record your child's height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature
- Perform a comprehensive physical examination
- Check your child's respiration, eyes, nose, throat, and ears
- Perform a vision and hearing screening
Your pediatrician may also recommend lab testing and imaging studies to help identify any underlying illnesses, infections, or injuries. In some cases, your pediatrician may recommend additional developmental and behavioral testing to screen for:
Another important part of a school physical is ensuring your child is current on all vaccinations required for your child to attend school.
When your child is vaccinated, it not only protects them from serious illnesses and diseases, but it also contributes to the overall health of your family and community. Vaccines are a powerful tool in modern medicine, proven to be 95% to 99% effective, according to HealthyChildren.org. They work by stimulating your child's immune system to recognize and fight off harmful viruses and bacteria before they can cause illness. This significantly reduces your child's risk of contracting preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, whooping cough, and more.
Beyond personal protection, vaccines also play a critical role in reducing the spread of disease. When a high percentage of people in a community are vaccinated, it creates what's known as herd immunity. This means that even individuals who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants, those with certain medical conditions, or individuals with weakened immune systems, are less likely to be exposed to harmful diseases. By keeping your child up to date on their vaccinations, you're not only safeguarding their health but also helping protect your loved ones, classmates, neighbors, and others in your community.
In addition to vaccinations, yearly school physicals are an essential part of maintaining your child's overall well-being. These routine check-ups help ensure that your child is developing physically and emotionally properly. School physicals offer a convenient opportunity to assess your child's vision, hearing, weight, and overall health. They can also help identify any health concerns early on, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. These visits give you a chance to ask questions, discuss any behavioral or academic concerns, and stay proactive about your child's health.
Together, vaccines and annual school physicals provide a strong foundation to help your child thrive during the school year and beyond.
Want To Know More?
To find out more about what to expect during a school physical and how a school physical can help your child stay healthy, call Dr. Eva Chan and Jackyln Chan at Fairway Children's Medical Group in West Covina, CA. You can reach them in the office by calling (909) 742-7720, so call today.