What is a School Physical?



 Let's see. New school clothes? All set. No. 2 pencils? Check. Just make sure you don't forget one of the most important things about the back-to-school season: a school physical. 

Are Physicals Required?

Some schools require back-to-school physicals each year or before spring sports season. Your child’s exam ensures that she or he is up-to-date on vaccines to protect against serious illnesses. Safeguarding your kid's health and the health of classmates and other people in your community is a top priority for school administrators and doctors. Some sports teams also require children to get a school physical each year to help ensure that their bodies are ready for the exertion.

What is a School Physical?

Back-to-school physical exams are an important aspect of children's health care. From childhood through adolescence, kids undergo dramatic changes in weight, height, and other physical characteristics. A back-to-school physical exam is an opportunity for parents and pediatricians to make sure children are on the right track of healthy development. The start of a new school year is an ideal time to complete this assessment.

Your Child's Medical History

During the physical, the pediatrician will have many questions about your child's medical history. Medical history checks help the pediatrician keep an eye on any patterns of chronic illness that may run in your family. In some cases, this information can help the pediatrician make quicker diagnoses and decisions during emergencies, when each second counts.

Physical Examination

During the school physical, the pediatrician will do a comprehensive check of your child's body. This usually includes recording weight and height, taking blood pressure and pulse readings, and checking lungs, heart, and abdomen, as well as eyes, ears, skin, nose, mouth, teeth, and throat.

Your Child's Immunizations

Diseases that once killed kids are highly preventable. During the visit, the pediatrician will give your child any necessary vaccinations required by the school. Vaccinations are one of the best means of protection against contagious diseases. Research has shown that kids who aren't vaccinated are at a much higher risk of getting sick.

 

Location: New York, NY, USA

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