As summer draws to a close and the new school year approaches, it’s time to ensure that your children are mentally and physically prepared for the challenges ahead. One essential step in this process is scheduling their physical exam according to specific requirements by the state and school district. For some schools, an annual physical is mandatory before the start of the new school year.
Children’s physicals not only fulfill school requirements but also play a crucial role in monitoring your child’s health and well-being. Let’s discuss children’s physicals, what happens during a physical, how they benefit your child, and where you can go in The Woodlands and Spring, TX, for your child’s school physical.
When Should Children’s Physicals Start?
Ideally, children’s physicals should start early childhood and continue annually throughout adolescence. The first physical exam typically occurs around age 2-4 and continues yearly thereafter.
What Happens During Your Child’s Physical?
During your child’s physical exam, the healthcare provider will assess various aspects of their health, including growth, development, and overall well-being. This may involve measuring height, weight, blood pressure and assessing vision and hearing. The provider will also review the child’s medical history, administer necessary vaccinations, and address any concerns or questions parents may have.
Vaccines for school-age children to protect them from various diseases include the following:
- DTaP/Tdap: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).
- MMR: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella.
- Varicella: Protects against chickenpox.
- IPV: Protects against polio.
- Meningococcal: Protects against meningococcal disease, which can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections.
- Hepatitis A and B: Protect against hepatitis A and B viruses, which affect the liver.
- Pneumococcal: Protects against pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.
- Rotavirus: Protects against rotavirus, a common cause of severe diarrhea and dehydration in infants and young children.
A sports physical is more focused on evaluating the child’s fitness level and ability to safely participate in athletic activities. This may include checking for any pre-existing medical conditions that could affect their participation in sports, assessing their cardiovascular health, and evaluating their musculoskeletal fitness and strength. Additionally, sports physicals often involve discussing injury prevention and proper training techniques for the child’s chosen sport.
The Importance of Children’s Physicals
Children’s physicals are vital for monitoring growth and development, identifying any underlying health issues, and ensuring that children are up-to-date with vaccinations. These exams provide an opportunity for early detection and intervention, helping to maintain your child’s overall health and well-being.
The pediatrician may have the following questions about your child:
- Have there been any recent health developments within your family? Are there any significant medical conditions or hereditary factors in your family history that may affect your child’s health?
- Has your child required any specialized or emergency medical attention?
- How well is your child eating or sleeping?
- How is your child performing academically? Are there any challenges or areas where they may need extra support?
- Are there any concerns about your child’s interactions with others?
- How much physical activity does your child engage in each day? Are they participating in sports or other extracurricular activities?
The doctor may also ask your child some questions, such as:
- How are you feeling today? Are you experiencing any pain or discomfort?
- How is your appetite? Are you drinking enough water every day?
- How are you feeling emotionally? Are you happy, sad, or worried about anything?
- How is school going? Are you enjoying your classes, and do you feel safe there?
- Are you participating in any sports or physical activities?
- Are you wearing any protective gear when playing sports or riding a bike?
Why Schedule Children’s Physicals Early?
Booking children’s physicals well in advance of the start of the school year allows ample time for any necessary follow-up appointments or treatments. Some parents schedule their child’s physical. It ensures your child starts the academic year with a clean bill of health and minimizes disruptions to their school schedule.
Book Your Child’s School Physical Today in the Woodlands and Spring, TX
Don’t wait until the last minute before scheduling your child’s school physical. Beat the back-to-school rush by booking appointments with Northwoods Pediatric Center now to secure your preferred dates and times. Our pediatricians look forward to providing for your child’s needs, from school and sports physicals to sick visits, and we make every child feel safe and comfortable.
For any questions about our pediatric services or to schedule a consultation with one of our pediatricians, call our office today at (281) 296-7770 or use our convenient online appointment request form. Our pediatric clinics are located in The Woodlands and Spring.
