The start of every school year holds promise for new things and new beginnings. From new school supplies to clothes, there are many ways you can set your child up for success. The back to school physical is another way you can prepare your kids for a better year.
Dr. Rainilda Valencia and the team here at Valencia Pediatrics are ready to help your child start the school year right by taking care of their health. From annual well-child exams to sports physicals, we offer a full range of pediatric services here in our Victorville, California, office.
Back to school physicals can be preventive or simply reassuring. Some physicals may also be required for sports participation. Here’s why your child’s back to school physical is important, this year and every year.
An annual well-visit medical exam is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for school-age children, from four years old up to 18 years old. These visits help ensure that your child’s development is on target, even if they have no obvious medical issues for treatment.
When sickness strikes, it’s usually just a runny nose or slight fever that’s gone almost as fast as it arrives. Many childhood illnesses are so routine, it’s possible your child hasn’t seen a pediatrician for some time before their first year of school.
Attaching a regular physical to the start of the school year follows the “new start” theme as well as creating an easy-to-remember scheduling point in the year.
Your child’s relationship with Dr. Valencia will naturally accumulate medical history over time as he or she completes more back to school physicals. Some milestones may only be important in hindsight. Others benefit from having a single point of reference, such as immunization records and a written record of illnesses and their effects on your child.
A back to school physical is also the perfect time to schedule a sports physical to assure that your child is fit for sports, or any other extracurricular activities they may be likely to try in the upcoming year. Your child’s school may require documentation of both sports participation and school examinations.
Dr. Valencia can also give your child some exercise, nutrition, or training advice, as well as monitor your child’s progress and performance over time.
Generally, your child’s physical will take about half an hour, depending on any tests or immunizations that may be necessary. If it’s your first time seeing Dr. Valencia, bring immunization records and any notes you may have on your child’s medical history, including medications if applicable.
Your child’s vital signs are recorded, and his or her general health is observed through simple tests and questions. Emotional health and stress levels are usually only assessed if Dr. Valencia deems it necessary. A sports physical concentrates more on things like muscle development and injury risk, while focusing less on general health.
As your child gets older, particularly into their teen years, it’s typical for them to have one-on-one time with Dr. Valencia, with no parents present.
The team at Valencia Pediatrics is here to offer your child a safe and comfortable environment, adding up to an overall positive experience each time they visit. Call our office today to schedule your child for a back to school physical, or any time they need a participation physical.
