Importance of School and Sports Physicals

Most schools require that children are up-to-date with wellness exams and vaccinations before they return to classes in the fall. School physicals exam are annual wellness exams that ensure children are in good health and document their growth. If a child plays sports, they may also need a sports physical, which may be slightly different from their general school physical. Here is what you need to know about the importance of school and sports physicals and how to proceed to ensure your child is ready for school this fall.

Why Schools Require Physicals

Most school districts require physicals for children that monitor their health. While this may seem unnecessary if your child is healthy, it is beneficial for you, your child and their classmates. School physicals check your child’s vital signs and look for any signs of illness or growth disparities. Your doctor will ensure that your child is up-to-date with their vaccinations to attend school. The goal is to ensure that every child attending school is healthy and is not at risk of spreading disease to other children and staff at the school.

Benefits of School Physicals

School physicals may be a requirement, but there are benefits for you and your child to performing these wellness exams. Many children do not need to visit a doctor for a routine exam during the year, so this is a chance to check your child’s health. The physical will check eyesight, hearing, lung function, heart rate, and other vital signs. Your child’s weight and height are recorded. Since you have a physical performed annually, a school physical can monitor any abnormal changes in their growth pattern that may be a concern. Emotional and mental health are also monitored for your child’s overall wellness.

What Is a Sports Physical?

If your child will be playing sports this year, they will likely be required to complete a sports physical. This is very similar to their school physical and can be performed simultaneously with their school physical. The main difference between a sports physical versus a school physical is the focus on physical health. Depending on the sport and school requirements, the physical will check joints, posture, and other factors affecting your child’s sports safety.

What to Bring

Parents will want to bring any vision or hearing devices their child uses to their physical. They should also have documentation for immunization records if they were performed at a different clinic and a list of any medications the child is taking. You will also want to bring the appropriate forms to be completed for your child’s school.