Why School Physicals Are Important
Did you know that a school physical is required before your child attends school? School physicals are an excellent way to help prevent illness and detect potential medical problems early when they are easily treatable. Dr. Eva Chan and Dr. Jackyln Chan at Fairway Children's Medical Group in West Covina, CA, provide comprehensive medical services for children, including school physicals.
What You Need To Know About School Physicals
As the new school year approaches, one of the most important things you can do for your child's health and success is to schedule a school physical with your pediatrician. Not only are these exams essential for ensuring your child is healthy and developing properly, but they are also often required by schools for enrollment or participation in sports and other activities.
A school physical is a routine yet thorough health check-up that allows your pediatrician to assess your child's overall well-being and ensure they're ready for the academic year. It's also an opportunity to detect any potential health issues early on.
During a school physical, your pediatrician will:
Perform a comprehensive physical examination
This includes checking for signs of any underlying health conditions and evaluating your child's overall growth and development.
Examine key areas such as the respiration system, eyes, nose, throat, and ears
These checks help identify any issues that might interfere with learning or daily activities.
Conduct a vision and hearing screening
Vision or hearing problems can significantly impact a child's ability to succeed in school. Early detection ensures timely intervention.
Record vital statistics such as height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and temperature
Tracking these numbers helps monitor your child's growth pattern and identify any irregularities.
In addition to the physical exam, your pediatrician will also:
Review and update your child's immunization records
Schools require certain vaccinations to help prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Your pediatrician will ensure your child is up to date on all mandatory shots.
School physicals are a great time to ask any health-related questions you may have, whether it's about nutrition, sleep habits, or emotional well-being. Your pediatrician may also offer guidance tailored to your child's age and developmental stage.
Booking your child's school physical early ensures you have time to complete any additional paperwork or follow-up appointments before the school year begins. It also helps reduce the last-minute rush and long wait times during the back-to-school season.
Keeping up with annual school physicals not only helps your child stay healthy but also keeps them on track academically and socially.
Making sure your child receives their yearly school physical is one of the most important ways to support their health and well-being throughout the school year. These check-ups, typically performed by your child's pediatrician, play a vital role in tracking their physical development, identifying any potential health concerns early, and providing an opportunity to ask questions about growth, behavior, nutrition, and more.
One of the most crucial parts of the school physical is reviewing and updating your child's immunizations. Vaccinations are more than just a school requirement-they are a powerful tool that helps prevent the spread of contagious diseases. When your child is vaccinated, it not only shields them from illnesses but also protects those around them. This includes classmates, teachers, school staff, family members at home, and even you. In other words, vaccines create a safer environment for everyone by reducing the chances of disease outbreaks.
Annual school physicals are also a great time for your pediatrician to ensure your child is developing properly, both physically and emotionally. Regular visits help your doctor build a complete picture of your child's health over time, allowing them to notice small changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. From monitoring height and weight to checking vision and hearing, each part of the exam serves a purpose in keeping your child on track.
Staying on top of yearly physicals and immunizations means fewer disruptions during the school year due to illness, and it sets the foundation for lifelong healthy habits. Scheduling your child's school physical before the new academic year begins ensures they're ready to start strong-and stay strong.
Want To Know More?
To learn more about the importance of school physicals, call Dr. Eva Chan and Dr. 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.