School Physicals Specialist

Does my child need a school exam?

In short, yes. Most schools in the US require that, before you send your child to the first day of class, you take them to a yearly school exam with a doctor. The goal of a school exam is to make sure that your child is safe, healthy, and ready for the new school year.

What happens during a school physical?

To make sure this is the case, during a school physical, your child’s doctor at Seby Medical Center:

• Makes sure their immunizations are up to date
• Tracks their growth (height and weight)
• Discusses healthy habits with them
  
  

If your child has a history of illness, they add in tests related to the illness to make sure your little one is still healthy. In addition, if they have a history of emotional or mental health struggles, the doctor at Seby Medical Center takes time to check in with both you and your child to see how they’re feeling and developing.

During this time, they also check your child’s vitals and may perform tests related to:

• Vision
• Hearing
• Cholesterol
• Anemia
  
  

If your child is an adolescent or teen, your Seby Medical Center doctor may also ask them questions about smoking, alcohol use, drug use, depression, and depression.

What happens during a sports physical?

If your child is a student-athlete, another important aspect of their school physical is the sports physical. You should schedule this visit at least six weeks before they’re set to start practice or conditioning.

During a sports physical, the doctor makes sure that it’s safe for your child to participate in their chosen sport. To determine this, they go over your child’s medical history, including their:

• Chronic illness history (asthma, epilepsy, etc.)
• Surgery and hospitalization history
• Injury history
• History of chest pain, dizziness, trouble breathing, and/or fainting during exercise
• Allergies
• Medications
  
  

After this, the doctor performs the physical exam, which is similar to a regular school physical. The main difference between the two is the fact that the doctor also checks your child’s:

• Posture
• Flexibility
• Strength
• Joints
  
  

If your female child is already past puberty, the doctor typically also asks them about their period and diet to make sure that they’re getting enough nutrients.

If it’s back to school time, or your child needs to get cleared for a sport, make an appointment at Seby Medical Center. The practice offers affordable, comprehensive, and professional care with flexible scheduling and short wait times. Don’t procrastinate; schedule your child’s appointment today online or over the phone.