As the school year begins, you want your child to head to the classroom as healthy as possible. The team at Manchester Pediatric Associates provides school physicals for your child, giving them an overall, comprehensive evaluation to help maintain their wellness. To schedule an appointment for your child, call the office in South Windsor, or Tolland, Connecticut, or use the online booking tool today.

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What are school physicals?

School physicals are scheduled annually, allowing the team at Manchester Pediatric Associates to evaluate your child’s health. Whether they are just starting school or planning to compete in sports, they can benefit from school and sports physicals.

Sports physicals ensure that your child can sustain the demand that athletics can have on their body. Hidden conditions can affect your child, especially as training for a sport begins. That’s why your child needs a sports physical before participating in a school or club sport.

The team also uses this time to start building trust with you and your child. Establishing a healthy relationship with your child’s pediatrician can provide confidence as your child grows and develops.

At your child’s school physical, you can expect the following:

  • Evaluation of your child’s overall health
  • Updated health record
  • Record and track height and weight
  • Update immunizations
  • Assess developmental health
  • Assess bodily systems

During your child’s exam, you can also ask questions and talk about any health concerns. The professionals at Manchester Pediatric Associates take the time to educate you and your child on important, age-appropriate topics, including sports safety, healthy habits, and safe-sex practices, if applicable.

What issues can school physicals identify?

School physicals can offer an early diagnosis of common childhood problems, including:

  • Asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Autism and other developmental issues
  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Learning disabilities
  • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

The team can also identify unhealthy habits that might affect your child’s health as they continue to develop. Future health conditions of concern might include obesity, heart disease, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

What happens during school physicals?

When your child visits the practice at Manchester Pediatric Associates for their school physical, the team checks the following:

  • Height and weight
  • Blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate
  • Lungs, heart, and abdomen
  • Ears, nose, and mouth
  • Speech development
  • Vision and hearing
  • Growth and development
  • Reflexes and motor skills
  • Cognitive development
  • Learning abilities
  • Diet and nutrition

If your child’s doctor identifies issues that might need further testing, they may take a blood or urine sample and order diagnostic tests. They might also refer your child to a specialist.

As the team monitors your child each year, they make assessments that can significantly impact your child’s health and wellness throughout their life.

To schedule your child’s annual school or sports physical, call or request an appointment online today.