As the school year approaches, parents are busy with supply lists, carpools, and haircuts. But one task should be at the top of every back-to-school checklist: the annual physical exam. More than just a school requirement, it’s a proactive way to ensure your child is healthy, prepared, and ready to thrive in the year ahead. Even if children feel fine, they may still have medical problems in the early stages that can be detected during these exams.
Read on to learn more about the key benefits of an annual physical exam and find out how Midwest Express Clinic makes getting a back-to-school physical easy and convenient for your family.
Why Back-to-School Physicals Matter
Annual checkups are an important part of preventive care. They allow healthcare providers to:
- Track growth and development
- Catch potential health issues early
- Review nutrition, sleep habits, and behavior changes
- Address physical and emotional readiness for school or sports
Even if your child feels fine, early-stage conditions can go unnoticed without a thorough exam. Detecting issues early means treatment can start before they interfere with learning or daily activities.
What to Expect at Your Child’s Back-to-School Exam
At Midwest Express Clinic, your child’s visit typically includes:
- Review of personal and family medical history, including immunizations
- Height, weight, and vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate)
- Evaluation of posture, joints, breathing, and flexibility
- Heart, lung, vision, hearing, and ear/nose checks
- Sports clearance exam (includes a complete heart evaluation, pulse checks in upper and lower extremities, and muscle strength testing through activities such as one-foot hopping and duck walk).
Whether preparing for class or the sports field, these visits confirm your child is ready for the demands of the year—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
High-Quality Pediatric & Urgent Care Services
In addition to physical exams, Midwest Express Clinic provides year-round pediatric urgent care for:
- Colds, flu, and allergies
- Sore throats, ear infections, and pink eye
- Asthma and mild respiratory issues
- Sprains, cuts, and minor burns
- Rashes, skin irritation, and stomach issues
Our providers create a calm, supportive environment for young patients. With extended evening and weekend hours at over 50 Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana locations, it’s easy to get care when your family needs it most.
Annual Exams for Teens & Adults
Midwest Express Clinic also offers preventive annual exams for the entire family. These visits include:
- Medical History Review – Discuss lifestyle, recent health changes, and family health risks
- Vital Signs – Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration
- Physical Exam – Heart, lungs, lymph nodes, head, and neck checks
- Preventive Screenings – Such as depression screenings or chronic disease risk assessment
- Care Plan & Follow-Up – Personalized recommendations, prescriptions, or additional tests if needed
Most insurance plans cover annual exams, meaning you can often get this preventive care with little to no cost.
Start the School Year Strong
A back-to-school physical is one of the simplest ways to support your child’s well-being and set them up for success. From routine checkups to urgent care, Midwest Express Clinic is here to help safeguard your family’s health year-round.
Find a clinic near you: midwestexpressclinic.com/locations.
