SCHOOL PHYSICALS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

The purpose of a school physical is to ensure that your child is healthy and safe for the school year. Annual visits with the Bolingbrook, IL pediatricians are an excellent way to keep track of your child’s health, obtain official growth statistics, and personally discuss any concerns, questions, or changes to watch for in the coming year.

SCHOOL PHYSICALS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

What is a school physical?

Your child’s pediatrician will measure your child’s height, weight, and blood pressure during the physical. A pediatrician may also examine your child’s eyes, flexibility, heart and lungs, ears, nose, and throat and feel for abnormalities in the abdomen. Additionally, your pediatrician will administer any necessary vaccinations requested by the school during the physical.

Your pediatrician will gather more information about your family and medical history to properly assess your child’s health. An examination, as well as a medical history, are equally important. It is helpful to know about past illnesses, surgeries, or conditions, such as asthma or chest pains, to diagnose and protect against complications.

What is the need for so much information about your child’s medical history?

The medical history section generally consists of questions such as:

  • If any of the family members suffer from any serious illnesses?
  • Any previously diagnosed conditions of the child (asthma, diabetes, etc.)
  • Has the child previously undergone any Injuries or surgeries?
  • Has your child ever passed out, felt dizzy, had chest pain, or had trouble breathing during exercise?
  • Is your child currently taking any medication? If yes, tell the reason for it.

One of the essential parts of the school physical may be providing this information. It would be best if you had your child help you answer these questions, so they know their medical history. To determine if a child has any conditions, doctors consider this information.

Bolingbrook school physicals 

Our pediatricians closely monitor our children as they grow to ensure that they meet all their developmental and growth milestones. A school physical may be required your child to be eligible for a sporting or academic team. Our pediatricians at A2Z pediatrics can help ensure your child meets these requirements. A physical usually only takes a few minutes, provides a clean bill of health, and meets school requirements. Furthermore, physical exams help doctors ensure that your child has received all the necessary vaccinations to protect them from disease. Additionally, vaccines protect others from diseases, so they are an essential part of your child’s health and other children’s health.  However, a doctor’s check-up is required for older children participating in school sports.

Is a school physical invasive, and what does it include?

A school physical is not invasive and covers all the health requirements. It includes:

  • Vitals check

To determine your child’s vital signs, we will check their pulse and blood pressure. In addition to assessing height and weight, we’ll also record growth spurts and weight changes, which can put an additional strain on joints, muscles, and bones.

  • Eye exam

Your child’s eyes are examined to check for proper vision and determine whether prescription lenses are needed or if your child’s current prescription needs to be changed.

  • Fitness assessment

Our next step is to examine your child’s heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat. The doctor will check the patient’s cardiovascular system and recommend any restrictions on physical activity.

  • Joints and flexibility check

Our team will evaluate your child’s strength, flexibility, posture, and joints to determine where the child is at risk of injury and provide exercises and tips for building a healthier body.

Our pediatricians will inform you if anything is concerning or requires further evaluation during the screening. Our aim for the school physicals at Bolingbrook is to make the medical examination as pleasant and relaxing as possible. If your child feels comfortable, a more accurate assessment is possible.

How do school physicals differ at different stages of a child’s life?

School physicals have the same goal no matter where your child is in life, but there are aspects to expect as your child grows. Before starting school, children in preschool and kindergarten should ensure they have received all the required vaccinations. Additionally, at this age, children learn what to expect at the doctor’s office, what questions to ask, and how to make their health a priority.

Children who take elementary school exams learn to understand their bodies and be healthy. In addition, kids are delighted to see how much they have changed since the last time they visited.

Exams start getting more challenging in middle school. The ages of 11-14 are a time of significant change for adolescents, so let the doctor explain any changes. As much knowledge, strength, and self-confidence as possible will be given to you by your doctor in this time of significant change.

High school students are almost ready for their annual wellness exams. Providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to make the right decision will be the doctor’s role.

We will be able to answer your questions and offer medical advice to you during the visit. Children’s health and safety issues, disease prevention, nutrition, and physical fitness are topics your pediatrician may discuss with you. In addition to school problems, behavioral problems, and learning problems, the pediatrician can offer counseling. Learn about school physicals and why they are essential with your child’s pediatrician at A2Z Pediatrics in Bolingbrook, IL, or call 630-755-5437

 

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A2Z Pediatrics
550 E Boughton Rd #110
Bolingbrook, IL 60440

Email: info@azmedpeds.com
Phone: 630-755-5437
Website: https://azmedpeds.com/