Summer is here and that means two things: School is out and the doctors are in. July and August are a great time to schedule your children’s annual school physical to make sure they are ready to hit the ground running (and in great shape) for the next school year, which will be here before you know it!
Every year curious parents call to ask us about school physicals, so we thought we’d share our answers for the five most commonly asked questions, all in one handy spot.
Is there a difference between well-child visits, physical exams and sports exams?
No. These are all basically different names for the same type of wellness check-up. We love that many schools and recreational clubs in Siouxland require an annual exam; these visits are an excellent opportunity to make sure that your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date and that they have no urgent health concerns that would normally fly under the radar. Physicals also help give the school and athletic staff the information they need to best meet the child’s needs.
My child is caught up on his vaccinations. Does he still need a school physical?
Yes! Not only are school physicals a check-up, they are also a great way to check-in; the older (and busier) your children get, the easier it is to assume annual doctor’s visit aren’t as important. The truth of the matter is that a yearly trip to the doctor’s office is a great way to assess a child’s overall health, from seeing how they manage stress to gently encouraging better sleep, nutrition, and exercise habits. It also gives us doctors at Family Health Care of Siouxland an opportunity to get to know your child when they are feeling generally healthy; it helps us better serve them when they aren’t feeling well.
What does a school physical typically include?
Outside of immunizations, school physicals are non-invasive and straightforward. We will check and record vital signs (heartbeat, blood pressure, and so forth) and we will also chart growth and development, administer a brief vision exam, and a hearing screening. Throughout the course of the examination, we will let you know if anything is a cause for concern or requiring further evaluation. It is always the goal of FHCSL to make our medical exams as pleasant and as relaxed as possible; the more comfortable your child is, the more accurate our assessment can be.
When is the best time to schedule school physicals?
Right now! We currently have several appointments available; however, the later you wait, the harder it may be to find a time that will work for you and your child. Call us today and we’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule and your physician preferences.
There can be so much to manage when it comes to my child’s health. Where can I find school health forms? And the immunization schedule? And an idea about average milestones?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
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- School forms: On top of being a great idea, yearly check-ups are a great time to drop off and complete school, participation, and athletic forms. Forms for Sioux City Community Schools can be found here.
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- Immunizations: Most Siouxland schools follow the American Academy of Pediatrics immunization recommendations, whether it is regarding vaccinations for children 6 years and younger or what vaccinations are needed for kids ages 7 through 18.
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- Growth milestones: Milestones aren’t just for first words and first steps; kids keep growing into their bodies and potential for years. The more information you have along the way, the better support you can be to them as they grow. The American Pediatric sister site, HealthyChildren.org has a wealth of information for newborns all the way up to high school graduates. Click and be informed!
Of course, if you have any additional questions about your child, the exams, or what’s needed, we are here to help you! Call or stop in today.