Why Annual Check-ups are Crucial Before School Starts

The weeks before school starts can be busy as families hurry to prepare for the academic year ahead.

Doctors recommend an annual check-up to ensure your school-age child is growing and developing healthily. Many schools require students to have their check-up before school starts. These back-to-school health exams help ensure your child is ready to thrive at school — socially, physically and academically.

The Importance of School Physicals

School physicals have many benefits for children’s wellbeing. At school and at home, periodic health reviews from a medical provider make for happier, healthier kids.

Mandatory Student Health Checks: School physicals help ensure children are fit to engage fully in their educational and extracurricular activities. For this reason, many schools require a medical check-up as a condition for enrollment. Your child must meet the school’s educational institution health requirements, such as having up-to-date vaccinations. Knowing your child’s medical needs can also help the school set up appropriate medical accommodations and learning supports.

Comprehensive Physical Evaluations: Annual health check-ups are much more in-depth than a regular visit to the doctor. Back-to-school physicals help ensure that no childhood health problems go unnoticed.

Benefits of Annual Check-ups

There are many benefits to your child’s annual health check-ups. These appointments help with prevention and fast treatment of medical conditions, keeping on top of vaccinations and getting age-specific health information from your provider.

Learn about the benefits of yearly medical check-ins:

Routine Health Monitoring: Annual check-ups help families and healthcare providers track your child’s health over time. Your child’s health record can include vaccinations, growth metrics, and developmental milestones. Keeping track of this information can help you make informed decisions about your child’s health over time.

Childhood Health Evaluations: Your child’s annual physicals are an opportunity to ensure their health needs are being fully met. With a thorough examination, your provider can offer practical suggestions to support your child’s optimal development.

Preventive Health Screenings: Many health conditions benefit from early treatment, especially in childhood. Finding health concerns quickly gives you the opportunity to treat issues before they escalate or impact your child’s long-term health.

Addressing Parental Concerns: If you have questions about your child’s health, annual check-ups are a prime opportunity to get answers from a qualified healthcare professional.

What to Expect During a School Physical or Annual Check-Up

A school physical or annual check-up is more thorough than a regular visit. During your appointment, your healthcare provider will review your child’s medical history, conduct a physical examination and assess your child’s growth and development.

Basic Examination Procedures: Childhood health check-ups typically involve several basic procedures. These may include:

• Medical history review

• Vision and hearing tests

• Examination for physical abnormalities

• Evaluation of vital signs (e.g. pulse and blood pressure)

• Measurement of growth metrics (e.g. height and weight)

• Immunizations
  
  

Pediatric Wellness Visits: Certain health checks and immunizations are recommended at specific age milestones. Frequent check-ups should occur in the child’s first 3 years of life. (If your child is under 3, ask your healthcare provider when their next check-up should be.) After the age of 3, children should receive a physical examination yearly.

How to Schedule a School Physical for Your Child

It’s usually preferable to book routine medical examinations like school physicals with your child’s regular pediatrician or family doctor. However, if you can’t see your child’s doctor before school starts, don’t panic. An urgent care provider can perform a thorough school physical for your child. By visiting an urgent care center, your child can receive excellent care without the long wait times.

WellNow Urgent Care is proud to offer school physicals and annual health check-ups at all of our care centers. You can book ahead or come in at your convenience — no appointment necessary. Our dedicated healthcare providers are ready to support your child’s healthy future with their expert medical advice.

Find your urgent care location today and you’ll soon be checking “school physical” off your to-do list.

School Physical FAQs:

Why are school physicals necessary?

School physicals are essential because they ensure that children meet the health requirements set by educational institutions, helping to identify any potential health issues that could affect their academic performance.

How often should children have annual check-ups?

Children should have annual check-ups every year to monitor their growth, development, and overall health, allowing for early detection of any issues. Infants and children under the age of 3 should have more frequent check-ups.

What is the difference between a school physical and an annual check-up?

A school physical is a health screening specifically required for school entry, focusing on ensuring the child meets the school’s health criteria. An annual check-up is a comprehensive health review that monitors the child’s overall well-being and development throughout the year.

When is the best time to schedule a school physical?

The best time to schedule a school physical is a few weeks before the school year starts, allowing time to address any health concerns that may arise during the examination.