The Importance of School Physicals

Find out why your child should visit the pediatrician once a year.

So much can change when it comes to the health of your child that it’s important to keep tabs on it. The best way to do that is through annual school physicals with our Clearwater, and Westchase, FL, pediatricians. Through regular school physicals, our pediatric team can monitor your child’s health and development and provide early interventions when problems arise.

Why are school physicals important?

As your child grows by leaps and bounds, sometimes health concerns arise that need to be addressed. Not all children will show symptoms so you might not even realize there is a problem. This is why yearly checkups with your Clearwater, and Westchase, FL, pediatricians are crucial for kids of all ages, yes, even teens. By coming in once a year we can detect health problems and developmental issues early on.

During these school physicals, we also provide screening tools and vaccines to protect your child from disease. It’s important to ensure that kids feel at their best before the start of the school year. By making sure your child is up to date on their vaccines you can protect them from many potentially dangerous communicable diseases.

When should my child get a school physical?

We know that the summertime is when you’re thinking of vacations, BBQs, and all things anti-school, but it’s important that you’re also scheduling your child’s school physical before the school year begins. Back-to-school physicals are necessary for all kids in Westchase, and Clearwater, FL. Try to schedule your child’s school physical about six weeks before the start of the school year.

How should I prepare for my child’s upcoming physical?

Before coming into our Clearwater, or Westchase, FL, practice for your child’s school physical you may wish to write down all the questions or concerns you might have about your child’s health, whether it’s about their sleep routine, diet, or current fitness routine. We would be happy to answer any and all questions you might have.

It’s also important to let us know if there are any changes to your child’s medical history, any symptoms you’ve noticed your child displaying, or if there are any changes in the supplements or over-the-counter medications they are taking. It’s important to provide us with as much information as possible.

To schedule your child’s school physical, call your Clearwater, and Westchase, FL, pediatricians at (727) 461-1543 or (813) 818-1543.