It can be easy to put off back-to-school physicals with all you are doing to prepare your child to return to the classroom, but here is why you should really make sure to check those physicals off your to-do list every year.

With the changes that COVID-19 has brought to every school across the nation, it’s imperative to really ground into the truth about those back-to-school physicals, especially during these unprecedented times. Regardless of whether or not your child is going to be wearing a mask in the classroom or not, getting your child checked for health matters puts you ahead of the curve in knowing the status of your child’s well-being.

The value of this knowledge and information cannot be overstated. Depending on the school your child attends, back-to-school physicals may or may not be required. Either way, it is important to schedule a physical to ensure your child is educated on best health practices and prepared to engage in any necessary preventative care treatments that the doctor might recommend.

What is a Back-to-School Physical?

You might be wondering what actually happens during the back-to-school physical. At certain ages, immunizations, blood tests, and cholesterol checks might be required. Depending on the age of your child, aspects of the physical examination may vary.

Overall, the physician will gather information from your child, including height, weight, and blood pressure. This is done to assess any potential abnormalities. The exam will also include checking the eyes, nose, throat, and lymph nodes. Next, the doctor will check to make sure there are no abnormalities by examining the neck, arms, legs, and feet. Your child’s vision, joints, spine, and muscles will also be evaluated.

The exam should only take about 30 minutes. First, the nurse will see the child, and then they will wait for a few minutes until the doctor will come in and complete the exam. These are annual checkups that are very important and common for school-aged children.

What Should I Do as a Parent to Prepare?

Make sure that you call the school first to determine if you need a sports or annual physical exam. If your child is in sports, this could mean that they require a completely different exam.

Next, make that you are prepared to bring your child’s immunization and medical records. Compile a list of any medications the child is currently taking, and also any existing medical conditions and allergies that the child might have.

What to Communicate to Your Child Before the Physical

Talk to your child about what will happen during the examination so they are prepared for the procedures that the doctor will perform. If your child has any anxiety or fear, you can ease their nerves by providing information about what will happen during the doctor’s visit.

Back-To-School Physicals

Our mission at UrgentWay Walk-In Medical Center is to deliver the highest quality of care with compassion, kindness, and respect: always putting our patients first. Our vision is based on three vital factors

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