A Healthy Start To The New School Year
As summer break comes to a close, it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school preparations for your child. In addition to stocking up on school supplies and new clothes, scheduling a physical exam is an important step that ensures your child gets a healthy start to their school year. Read on to learn about the benefits of school and sports physicals and how you can protect your child from germs throughout the school year.
Benefits Of School And Sports Physicals
Knowing that your child is healthy and prepared to take on the challenges of the upcoming school year can bring immense peace of mind. A clean bill of health allows your child to focus on learning and enjoying their after-school activities without the worry of potential injury or other medical complications. Key benefits of getting your child a comprehensive physical include:
- Helps Catch Health Issues Early: A physical exam serves as the perfect opportunity for a healthcare provider to detect any underlying health issues that might interfere with your child’s learning, development or sports performance. From hearing and vision problems to asthma or heart conditions, early detection is vital to effective treatment and management of medical conditions.
- Ensures Your Child’s Immunization Record Is Up-To-Date: Schools often require certain vaccinations to protect your child and their classmates from contagious diseases. A physical offers a provider the chance to check your child’s immunization record to ensure they are ready to take on the school environment safely.
- Prevents Sports-Related Injuries: If your child is planning to participate in a sports program, a comprehensive sports physical is non-negotiable. The exam assesses their physical readiness for the unique demands of their chosen sport, helping to prevent injuries and ensure they’re performing at their best.
What To Expect During A Physical Exam
A healthcare provider will typically start the exam with a discussion about your child’s medical history, including any past injuries, illnesses or allergies. The provider will also go over your child’s immunization record to make sure they are not missing any required vaccinations, then conduct a head-to-toe examination that includes checking your child’s vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate, evaluating their flexibility and vision, and assessing their heart, lungs, ears and more. Once the provider concludes their examination, they will give you some time to ask questions about your child’s health or development.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind before going in for the physical exam.
- Get Ahead Of The Crowd: As the school year approaches, appointments with primary doctors tend to fill up quickly. With 50+ locations across Northwest Indiana and Illinois, Midwest Express Clinic is open after regular office hours to accommodate working parents and walk-ins are always welcome.
- Don’t Forget The Paperwork: When you visit the exam room, please bring your child’s immunization records and any relevant paperwork. Schools and sports teams often have specific forms that need to be completed, so ensure you have these forms with you and that you have filled out your portion of the paperwork beforehand.
- Communication Is Key: Open communication with the provider is essential for accurate assessment and diagnosis.
Stay Safe Against Germs During The School Year
As your child heads back to school, they’re also heading back to a world of shared spaces and, unfortunately, shared germs. While physical exams help ensure your child is healthy before going back to school, there are additional steps you can take to keep your child germ-free during the school year.
- Emphasize The Importance Of Handwashing And Proper Hygiene: Teach and reinforce proper handwashing techniques, especially before meals and after using the restroom. Encourage your child to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue or their elbow.
- Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits: These play an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep each night can boost your child’s immune system so they can stay healthy throughout the school year.
A physical is more than just a formality — it’s an investment in your child’s health and well-being. Set your child up for success this school year with a comprehensive school and sports physical from Midwest Express Clinic. To find urgent care near you, visit midwestexpressclinic.com/locations.
