Are School Physicals Necessary Every Year?
- posted: Sep. 13, 2023
Are School Physicals Necessary Every Year?
Most schools require a yearly physical for registration purposes, and they may also ask for a sports physical if your child is going to take part in organized sports or PE classes. They may seem like an extra hurdle but these visits are very important even if your child is healthy, you can learn more about school physicals and what you can expect by reaching out to your Alexandria, VA, pediatricians, Dr. Lisa Rainey and Dr. Perdita Taylor-Zapata of West End Pediatrics.
Why Every Year?
Your children are constantly growing and their bodies changing, so it's important to keep track of their development.
If there is any concern your child can be diagnosed and be provided with early treatment, which in general tends to be more successful and typically less invasive than otherwise. Chronic conditions can especially benefit from this approach.
Yearly physicals are also preventive, a common way that this is done is through immunizations which can reduce your child's risk from disease.
But prevention takes many forms, physicals allow your doctor to suggest lifestyle changes based on their observations and are also an excellent time for you and your child to ask questions of your own.
What to Expect
School physicals do not usually take the place of a regular checkup, but can involve many of the same procedures.
There is a physical examination, with a typical measurement of your child's vitals, such as blood pressure, breathing, pulse, and other such tests. The doctor will also record your child's current height and weight, and may perform a quick vision and hearing screening, and then may suggest visiting a specialist if they think it's necessary.
Be prepared to talk about past hospitalizations and your child's medical history, especially if this is your first visit to the pediatrician.
School Physicals in Alexandria, VA
For school physicals in and around the Alexandria, VA, area, you can schedule a visit with Dr. Rainey and Dr. Taylor-Zapata of West End Pediatrics by dialing (703) 823-7400.
