A children’s physical is a series of tests usually performed by a pediatrician during a well-child visit. A well-child visit is a great opportunity for a doctor to check your child’s growth and development, and to catch any health conditions early before they become severe and cause serious complications that can affect your child in the long run.
The frequency of a well-child visit depends on your pediatrician’s recommendation, but they are typically given several times a year during infancy, a few times a year during the toddler years, and yearly beginning at the age of three. There are also physical exam requirements for sports, school, and other activities, which is why doctors are often busy performing physicals during the school year.
Here, we will talk about what is typically included in children’s physicals.
The Child Physical Exam
A child’s physical exam is a comprehensive review of your child’s overall health. Here’s what you can expect from their physical exam:
- A review of the child’s medical history, such as injuries, medication, surgery, hospitalization, etc.
- A general assessment of their growth and development; assessment of developmental milestones
- Measurement of height and weight
- Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature checks
- Inspection of the child’s overall appearance, such as the head and neck, as well as the skin, hair, nails, and mouth
- A check of their vision and hearing
- An evaluation of their heart, lungs, and breathing
- Feeling the abdomen for any abnormalities
- Testing reflexes in the arms and legs
- Assessment of the child’s immunization status and administering any necessary vaccinations based on age
- Asking parents about learning, behavioral, and social issues, etc.
A pediatrician could very well detect a medical issue or abnormality during a children’s physical, which results in diagnosing and providing treatment for potential medical conditions.
How to Help Your Child Prepare for Their Child Physical
Children may be worried about their upcoming visit to the pediatrician for their physical exam. You can help your child prepare for it by:
- Choosing an appointment schedule that is most appropriate for your child and making sure they are well-rested and well-fed ahead of the appointment.
- Allowing your child to bring a personal item that brings comfort, such as a stuffed toy or blanket.
- Explaining to your child what they can expect to happen during the physical, such as what’s mentioned here – being weighed and measured, having their heart rate and blood pressure checked, etc. Assure them that it should not cause pain and that it’s just a routine exam.
Children’s Physical in The Woodlands & Spring, TX
The pediatricians at Northwoods Pediatric Center, P.A. perform children’s physicals as part of our comprehensive health care services. We believe regular well-child visits are critical to keeping kids healthy. Our doctors and staff are gentle, compassionate, patient, and genuinely care for the health, wellness, and comfort of children. We have a great ability to communicate with children, using age-appropriate terms, and get along with them.
Northwoods Pediatric Center, P.A. is a family-friendly clinic. For any questions or to schedule your child’s exam, call our pediatric clinic today at (281) 296-7770 or use our convenient online appointment request form.
