School Physicals
While it varies from state to state, a yearly physical may be a requirement for children to go to school where you live. School physicals help the school district keep track if students are up-to-date on their vaccinations, and helps evaluate special needs students to ensure they get the help they need. If this is your child’s first physical for school, here’s what you can expect.
What Happens at School Physicals?
When one of our doctors at Dr. Sayyed meets your child for their physical, the doctor will first find out your child’s height, weight, and take their blood pressure. Our doctors in Burr Ridge, La Grange, Hinsdale, Chicago, also check the heart and lung function and assess the back for curvature of the spine. They check the overall health of your child, plus make sure they are current on their vaccines.
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If they’re not current, the doctor can provide the vaccine(s) they need during the exam. During the physical, it is also a good time to discuss any concerns you have about your son’s or daughter’s physical, mental, or emotional health. One of our doctors will make a note of the concerns that you have, and then they may check for other symptoms if they suspect the onset of certain diseases.
Sports Physicals
Along with the school physical that checks for students’ overall health, your child may also need a sports physical if they play for their school. Most sports physicals are not necessary until students are in high school unless they play for a team outside of school.
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During the examination, our doctors at Dr. Sayyed in Burr Ridge, La Grange, Hinsdale, Chicago, collect much of the same information that they do during the school physical. However, this physical isn’t so much concerned with the student’s overall health, but it checks to make sure your child can safely participate in their chosen sport.
Preparing Children for Physicals
For younger children going to school for the first time, it might help to prepare them for their physical. Explain to them why they are visiting one of our doctors at Dr. Sayyed, and what will happen during the exam. If they know what to expect from the doctor near you in Burr Ridge, La Grange, Hinsdale, Chicago, they may feel more at ease about the examination, which can make you feel more ease too.