Summer is in full swing, and the start of school is just around the corner. Your back-to-school check-list should include a check-up for your child.
Whether your kids need an immunization update or a sports physical, they need a well-child visit every year from age 3 to 21. So, adding a back-to-school physical to your list is valuable, even for those heading to college.
What are Back-to-School Physicals?
Back-to-school check-ups, as they are commonly called, are often the only visit kids have with their doctor every year. Although a year may not seem like a long time, many changes can happen, especially for children. Annual physicals monitor a child’s growth, development, and health status and are key in preventing potential future problems. They provide a thorough physical exam and can also address any emotional, developmental, or social concerns. For younger children, these appointments typically occur right after their birthday, but as they age, they may begin seeing their doctor closer to the start of the school year.
During a routine physical, all your child’s body systems get evaluated to ensure there are no apparent problems. It is a great time to review eyesight, hearing and growth concerns. This lets you catch any problems early and get your child the best early intervention resources before the next school year starts. In addition to monitoring heart and blood pressure and testing for diabetes, pediatricians use this annual visit to discuss diet, exercise options, and testing for cholesterol and anemia.
A physical involves reviewing your child’s immunization records to ensure that he or she is up to date with all required immunizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a yearly exam to ensure that each child is up to date with their vaccines to prevent the spread of diseases. The CDC has a list of recommended child and adolescent vaccines. Your child’s school, including college, may require this information before they can begin the new school year.
A back-to-school physical is a great time to review cognitive or behavioral concerns. Sometimes these issues can have physical origins, such as poor eyesight. But a discussion about your child’s mental health can be just as valuable as trying to uncover any concerns about aches, pains or eating habit changes. Talking about mental health can seem daunting or confusing, especially for kids. Mental Health America reports that about 60% of youth with major depression don’t receive treatment. If left untreated, adolescent mental health issues can carry into adulthood.
This annual visit to the doctor is ideal for reviewing prescriptions and any over-the-counter medications. You can get forms signed that any of your children may need and ensure refills are ordered for your college-bound student.
The Difference Between Annual Physicals and Sports Physicals
For those who have athletes, it is important to note that sport-specific exams are not the same as an annual physical exam. Annual physical exams focus on the overall health of your child, while sports-specific exams focus on determining if it is safe for your child to participate in a sport. The American Academy of Pediatricians encourages all children to get annual sports physical regardless of whether it is required for them to participate on a team or extracurricular activity or not. These can be scheduled at the same time as the annual wellness exam.
What to Bring
To make the most out of your child’s annual check-up, be sure to let your physician know of any changes in family medical history, changes in the child’s health since their last visit and any over-the-counter medications your child is taking. It’s also a good chance to address important questions or concerns you have as a parent, especially with teenagers, including adolescent issues of substance use such as drinking, smoking, drugs, sexual activity, and depression.
Before you go to the appointment, check to see if there are any forms that need to be completed by the physician for your school or sport team. If so, print those and bring them with you to the appointment. If you are seeing a new provider, be sure to bring copies of past immunizations so vaccines can be updated if necessary.
Your child’s annual physical exam is important, and keeping your child’s yearly checkup up-to-date is an important part of preparing your child to go back to school or to play a sport. With school starting in just a few weeks, get your child’s annual check-up or physical scheduled. West Tennessee Medical Group has primary care physicians and pediatricians close to you. Check out our Pediatricians to schedule your child’s back to school physical.
