5 reasons doctors say back-to-school physicals provide “healthy start” to school year

Dr. Shahir Okhovat

Many parents are breathing a sigh of relief as we flip our calendars to September, now that the seemingly endless number of back-to-school meetings and activities are about finished.

One of the activities you may have already checked off your list is the annual physical for your child. Some schools require these exams before students can play fall sports, and many require proof of required immunizations.

But aside from these school requirements, there are other good reasons to make an annual physical a priority this time of year, says Dr. Shahir Okhovat, a pediatrician at Beacon Medical Group Pediatrics Bristol Street. Dr. Okhovat shares five reasons he would still encourage parents to schedule fall physicals for their children.

1. To check on developmental progress

During an annual physical, your primary care provider or pediatrician will check for any problems with your child’s body, including their heart, lungs, abdomen, eyes, ears, joints and spine. Your doctor will also monitor your child’s growth, keeping tabs on their height, weight and head measurement, depending on their age, to ensure your child is flourishing and growing well.

If there are causes of concern in any of these areas, Dr. Okhovat says it’s great to catch them early in the school year, especially if it could impact your child’s learning or affect their ability to participate in physical education or sports. “I recall diagnosing a 6-year-old child who came in for a school physical with myopia, or nearsightedness,” Dr. Okhovat says. “After the child started wearing prescription glasses, it improved his vision.”

2. To review safety information

If your child has a medical condition, such as type 1 diabetes, it’s important to plan how to best manage their condition given a new school schedule. Your family doctor or pediatrician can also provide important reminders to your child about routine safety practices like wearing a seat belt in the car.

3. To discuss well-being

Coping with changes in routine, new teachers and different academic or social expectations can be very stressful on our children. Your doctor may ask questions to help determine whether your child is anxious, depressed or needs a little extra help adjusting.

“Periodic well-child visit and school physicals are essential for monitoring the overall health and development of children,” Dr. Okhovat says. “They provide an opportunity for healthcare professionals to detect and address any physical or behavioral health conditions that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.”

4. To review immunizations

If you haven’t already reviewed and updated the immunizations your child needs or should receive this school year, their physical is an opportunity to talk with your doctor about what is required and what is recommended and to address any concerns you might have.

5. To ask questions

Finally, the annual physical is the perfect chance for parents to discuss any other aspects of your child’s health with a medical professional. You might think about these questions:

• Is your child getting enough sleep?
• Have their eating habits changed?
• Have they experienced any unexplained symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, stomach aches or other pains?
• Are they experiencing any problems with reading, learning or participating in class?

Dr. Okhovat says his conversations with parents help assess symptoms of what could prove to be bigger issues and refer your child to a specialist, if needed.

“We strive to partner with parents to address any concerns or questions they may have during the well-child or school physical exams,” he says. “Parents are the ones who know their child the best. On many occasions, parents can bring our attention to possible conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which, when addressed, will help children to achieve their full potential at school.”

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Dr. Shahir Okhovat, pediatrician, Beacon Medical Group Pediatrics Bristol Street is accepting new patients. Click here to connect with his office and schedule an appointment.

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