Along with preparing the children’s school clothes and supplies, parents are expected to call their family doctor or primary care provider to schedule a back to school physical exam. Guidelines for this annual health requirement depend on the school district and while some make this mandatory, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents do this check-up for their kids anyway.
For many parents, a school physical in Spring Hill is a good time to get their children’s immunizations up to date or to refill anti-allergy drugs and other prescription medications. However, there is more to this than just getting the kids’ vaccination or updated prescriptions. Below are a few reasons why even parents can benefit from back to school physicals.
1. The comprehensive physical exam gives parents a better idea of their child’s health.
Back to school physicals in Lifeguard Urgent Care Spring Hill walk-in clinic keep track of the child’s growth and development. Basic screenings also help the pediatrician detect any developmental delays, which may require the child to undergo physical or occupational therapy or even speech therapy.
As a parent, it will give you peace of mind if you know that your child is achieving each developmental milestone well through the pre-school physical. If there are some issues, catching or detecting the symptoms early can also help parents plan and prepare for the next stages, if treatments are needed. This gives your kids better chances of recovering from whatever ails them.
2. A pre-school physical is a good time for parents, kids and doctors to have a dialogue.
Back to school physicals are not just for small kids, as it will also greatly help teenagers undergoing puberty. Your teen might have questions about their changing body that they can’t ask their mom or dad. Or, as a parent, you might be unsure of how to answer your teen’s questions; hence, this visit to the doctor should be an enlightening and enriching experience.
Apart from puberty concerns, teens may also have some questions about food, diet, exercise, sexual intercourse, drugs or alcohol, which are easier to discuss with a health care expert in Spring Hill walk in clinic. In many cases, it brings a greater sense of relief, both on the parents’ and children’s side, to receive tips and counsel from a qualified doctor.
3. Back to school physicals determine your child’s state of health if they play sports.
If you have a budding athlete in the family, the physical is also important to ascertain that your child is ready for sports activities and training. It can also help the doctor spot cues or symptoms of any potential risks during the neurological exam or joint exam.
While sports develop the children’s physical prowess, stamina and strength, the risks of developing health problems are also high, especially if they play football (concussion) or basketball (knee injuries). According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 15 percent of high school kids experience one or more symptoms of concussions, which they usually hide from their parents or coaches.
During the back to school physical at Spring Hill walk in clinic, parents can raise their concerns about their children’s sports activities. The doctor may, in turn, advise and educate the child on the risks if they don’t train and play safely, or hide their health issues.
If you have any questions, you may go to an article we wrote on what parents should know about school physicals for further information.
Get a back to school physical in Lifeguard Urgent Care Spring Hill walk in clinic
If you’re looking for a place where you can get a thorough and accurate back to school physical in Spring Hill, don’t hesitate to contact LifeGuard Urgent Care. We have extensive experience in providing high quality physicals. Don’t wait until the last minute – visit us today! You can swing by Monday through Sunday with no appointment necessary. Simply walk in and we will take care of you! For inquiries, contact us at (352) 515-6000.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
