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Why Are School Physicals Important?

Why Are School Physicals Important?

At All Better Pediatrics, Dr. Susan Welch emphasizes the importance of school physicals as a proactive approach to your child’s health. These comprehensive exams not only ensure that children are physically prepared for the school year but also provide an opportunity to detect potential health issues early when they are most treatable. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1102 Brookfield Road, Suite 200 Memphis, TN 38119.

Why School Physicals Are Important? | All Better Pediatrics Near Me in Memphis TN
Why School Physicals Are Important? | All Better Pediatrics Near Me in Memphis TN

Table of Contents:

What is a school physical exam?
Why do kids need school physicals?
When should my child get a school physical?
What does a school physical check for?

What is a school physical exam?


A school physical exam at All Better Pediatrics is a thorough medical evaluation designed specifically to assess your child’s overall health and readiness to participate safely and confidently in school activities. Our experienced pediatricians conduct comprehensive exams tailored to your child’s individual needs, closely reviewing their medical history, including previous illnesses, injuries, allergies, and any ongoing medical conditions. As part of this process, we make sure your child meets all necessary immunization requirements, keeping them healthy and protected throughout the school year.

During your child’s visit, our caring healthcare providers will evaluate key aspects of their physical health, including height, weight, blood pressure, vision, hearing, heart and lung function, and reflexes. We also prioritize conversations about proper nutrition, physical activity, emotional well-being, and developmental milestones. This appointment provides a valuable opportunity for our pediatricians to answer any questions you may have and address any concerns about your child’s health, growth, or overall well-being.

At All Better Pediatrics, the primary goal of our school physical exams is to identify and address potential health concerns early, allowing prompt intervention or treatment when needed. Additionally, we provide clear documentation confirming your child is medically cleared to safely participate in school-related activities, including sports and extracurricular programs. Regular school physical exams at our practice play an essential role in ensuring your child’s health, wellness, and academic success, supporting their ongoing physical, emotional, and mental development.

Why do kids need school physicals?


We understand that regular school physicals are essential in supporting your child’s health, development, and academic success. Our pediatricians provide comprehensive, compassionate care during these important checkups, carefully monitoring your child’s overall growth, physical health, and developmental milestones.

During a school physical, our pediatricians thoroughly assess your child’s vision, hearing, heart rate, blood pressure, height, and weight—ensuring they are developing within healthy ranges appropriate for their age. These routine evaluations allow us to detect potential health concerns early, enabling timely interventions and effective treatment plans.

Additionally, school physicals offer an ideal opportunity to update your child’s immunizations, ensuring they remain fully protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. Our pediatricians also take the time to discuss important aspects of your child’s well-being, including nutrition, exercise, hygiene habits, safety practices, and emotional health. We provide individualized guidance and support to foster healthy lifestyle choices and empower your child to thrive at home, school, and beyond.

Early detection of underlying conditions or developmental delays can significantly impact your child’s ability to learn and actively engage in school and extracurricular activities. Our team is dedicated to addressing these concerns proactively, providing necessary interventions and resources to enhance your child’s educational experience and overall quality of life.

We also understand many schools require physical exams prior to enrollment, sports participation, or extracurricular activities. We make these checkups convenient and thorough, ensuring your child meets all necessary health requirements to participate safely and confidently.

When should my child get a school physical?


A school physical is an essential part of maintaining your child’s overall health, growth, and development, we’re committed to making sure your child is healthy, happy, and ready for school. Many schools in our community require physical exams before your child begins a new school year or enrolls in a new school. At All Better Pediatrics, we recommend scheduling a comprehensive pediatric physical examination annually to ensure your child’s health records remain up-to-date, particularly before entering kindergarten, middle school, or high school.

If your child participates in sports or extracurricular activities, they may also need a specialized sports physical evaluation. Our pediatricians will provide a thorough evaluation to ensure your child is safely prepared for athletic and extracurricular participation, helping you meet any specific requirements set by the school or athletic organizations.

Even if your child’s school does not explicitly mandate annual physicals, regular pediatric check-ups at All Better Pediatrics are invaluable. These visits allow our providers to closely monitor your child’s growth, developmental milestones, and immunization status, and enable early detection and management of potential health concerns.

We recommend scheduling your child’s school physical appointment several weeks or even months in advance of the new school year. This ensures ample time to address any necessary health issues, complete required vaccinations, and meet any school-specific guidelines.

What does a school physical check for?


We understand that school physicals are an essential step in ensuring your child is healthy, happy, and ready for a successful school year. Our comprehensive school physicals, also known as wellness checks or pre-participation exams, are specifically designed to evaluate your child’s overall health and readiness for academic, social, and physical activities.

During your visit, our pediatric healthcare providers will measure your child’s height, weight, and vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. We also carefully evaluate vision and hearing to detect any impairments that might impact your child’s classroom performance or participation in sports and extracurricular activities.

Our caring pediatricians will perform a thorough physical examination, carefully assessing your child’s heart and lungs for unusual sounds or irregular rhythms, and checking the abdomen for any tenderness or abnormalities. Additionally, we assess your child’s musculoskeletal system, evaluating posture, joints, strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Early detection of conditions such as scoliosis, joint issues, or other physical limitations helps ensure your child can safely and confidently participate in sports, physical education, and everyday activities.

At All Better Pediatrics, we take the time to review your child’s entire medical history, including chronic illnesses, allergies, previous injuries, hospitalizations, surgeries, and any medications your child is currently taking. We also discuss family medical history to identify hereditary or genetic conditions that might need additional monitoring or proactive care. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Memphis TN, Germantown TN, Bartlett TN, Cordova TN, Collierville TN, Oakville TN, and Lenow TN.