Key Takeaways:
- Back-to-school physicals help evaluate your child’s overall health, growth, development, and readiness for the school year.
- Physical requirements vary by school, grade level, activity, and health history, but annual checkups are beneficial even when they aren’t required.
- School physicals and sports physicals serve different purposes, so tell your provider if your child needs both.
- Bring all required forms, immunization records, medication information, and relevant medical history to the appointment.
How can it be time for school to start again? I feel like we were just talking about the winter holidays, and here we are discussing school physicals. Getting your kids back to school puts a lot on your plate, buying school supplies, shopping for new clothes, adjusting to heavier schedules with added activities, etc. For many families, scheduling school physicals in Bedford, Benbrook or Flower Mound, TX is another important item to add to that list.
But if you stumbled here because you’re wondering (naturally) what actually happens during the appointment, what paperwork you need, or whether your child even needs a physical this year, then we’ve got you covered!
What Is a Back-to-School Physical?
A back-to-school physical is a routine health exam that helps make sure your child is healthy, developing as expected, and ready for the school year. Depending on your child’s age and medical history, the physical may include:
- Measuring height and weight
- Checking blood pressure and heart rate
- Listening to the heart and lungs
- Examining the ears, nose, throat, and abdomen
- Reviewing growth and development
- Discussing eating, sleeping, and activity habits
- Reviewing any medications and ongoing health concerns
- Checking whether immunizations are up to date
Does Every Child Need a Physical Before School?
Great question. It depends on your child’s school, grade level, activities, and health history. Some schools require an exam for new students, certain grade levels, or participation in sports and other programs. BUT even if an exam is not required, it’s never a bad idea to get an annual checkup. It gives your child’s provider a chance to track changes from year to year and take care of any small concerns before they become bigger problems.
Is a School Physical the Same as a Sports Physical?
They both have the word “physical,” so they have to be similar, right? Yes, but they have different goals. A school or annual physical looks at your child’s overall health, while a sports physical focuses on whether your child can safely participate in a specific sport. During a sports physical, we look more at:
- Previous injuries
- Joint strength and flexibility
- Heart or breathing concerns
- Dizziness or fainting during exercise
- Family history of heart conditions
- Asthma symptoms
- Concussions
- Current medications
Let Your Family Medical know when scheduling your appointment if your child needs both types of paperwork completed.
What Should We Bring to the Physical?
It’s great to have:
- Your school’s required medical forms
- Insurance information
- List/knowledge of current medications
- Immunization records, if our office doesn’t already have them
- Records from previous providers, if your child is a new patient
- Any glasses, hearing devices, inhalers, or other medical equipment your child uses
What Happens During a Pediatric Physical Exam?
A pediatric physical exam usually begins with basic measurements, followed by a head-to-toe health check. We may ask questions about your child’s daily routine, school performance, social development, mood, and overall well-being. For older children and teenagers, part of the appointment may include age-appropriate conversations about:
- Puberty and body changes
- Mental and emotional health
- Screen time
- Sleep habits
- Nutrition
- Physical activity
- Peer pressure
- Healthy decision-making
Will My Child Need Vaccines?
Your child’s immunization history will be reviewed to determine whether any vaccines are recommended or needed. The requirements depend on your child’s age, grade, previous vaccinations, and school district.
Can We Discuss Learning, Behavior, or Mental Health Concerns?
Yes! Physicals are not just limited to height, weight, and vital signs. Your child’s emotional and behavioral health are also important parts of their overall well-being. Consider mentioning any changes you have noticed, including trouble concentrating, anxiety, mood changes, social withdrawal, etc. These symptoms don’t always mean something serious is wrong, but talking about them can help you understand what support your child may need.
How Early Should We Schedule the Appointment?
You don’t want to wait until the night before forms are due. Appointments can fill up quickly as the first day of school gets closer. Scheduling your appointment early removes one more task from the back-to-school pile before schedules become busier.
What Questions Should Parents Ask?
There’s no wrong or right question when it comes to your child’s health! But here are some common questions you may want to ask:
- Is my child growing at a healthy rate?
- How much sleep should they be getting?
- Are there any nutrition concerns?
- Is their screen time affecting their health?
- Are they ready to participate in sports?
Family Doctor in Bedford, Benbrook & Flower Mound, TX
A physical is a chance to check in on your child’s health, discuss changes, and start the school year with greater peace of mind. At Your Family Medical, our team of family doctors specializes in care for both children and adults, making it easier for your household to receive care in one convenient place. Contact Your Family Medical today to schedule your child’s back-to-school appointment!
Bedford, TX:1305 Airport Fwy #302A, Bedford, TX, 76021. P: 817-283-6995
Benbrook, TX: 9239 Vista Way, Benbrook, TX 76126. P: 682-224-6474
Flower Mound, TX: 4101 Kirkpatrick Ln. Flower Mound, TX 75028. P: 972-436-7531
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does a back-to-school physical take?
A: Appointment length can vary based on your child’s age, health history, and required paperwork. Allow extra time if your child needs vaccines, testing, a sports evaluation, or multiple forms completed.
Q: Does my child need a physical every school year?
A: Requirements vary by school district, grade level, and activity. Even when a physical isn’t required by the school, an annual wellness visit allows your provider to monitor your child’s health, growth, and development.
Q: Can a back-to-school physical include a sports physical?
A: In many cases, both can be addressed during the same appointment. Because sports participation may require additional evaluation and separate paperwork, let the office know what your child needs when scheduling.
Q: What should my child wear to the physical?
A: Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows your provider to evaluate movement, posture, joints, and overall physical health. Athletic clothing may be particularly helpful when a sports physical is also needed.
Q: What happens if a health concern is identified?
A: Your provider will discuss the findings with you and explain any recommended next steps. These could include additional testing, a follow-up appointment, treatment, or a referral to another healthcare professional.
Q: Should we schedule an appointment if the school deadline is approaching?
A: Yes, but appointment availability can become limited as the school year gets closer. Contact Your Family Medical as soon as possible and bring all required forms so the team can determine what is needed.
