The summer seems to go quicker every year, and before you know it, it’s time to send your child back to school again. Getting ready for their return can be fraught with many different things to do and think about. However, one thing that you should always make time for is an annual pediatric physical exam.

Why Are Annual Physical Exams Important for Children?

After starting school, most pediatricians will recommend that children attend an annual medical, and right before starting the new school year is an ideal time to do this. This will help ensure that your child is as fit and healthy as possible before they start school. It will also help to protect the health of everyone else in the school too. This is because many illnesses are contagious, and if they are detected before your child returns to school, it could help prevent the disease from entering the school community and spreading. Thankfully, annual physical exams usually involve keeping children up-to-date with their immunizations, which keep the majority of the most severe diseases at bay. 

What to Expect From a Pediatric Physical Exam?

There are usually several different elements of a pediatric physical exam. These include:

Consultation. This preliminary conversation between you, your child (if they are old enough to participate) and your pediatrician is an opportunity to discuss your child’s current health and any worries or concerns that you may have. If you are visiting a new pediatrician for the first time, they may want to review your family health history and any existing conditions your child has too.

Vital tests. Next, a nurse will take vital measurements from your child, including their height, weight, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. These are all fast, painless and non-invasive, and the nurse will put your child at ease throughout. 

Physical exam. The main part of the appointment is the physical exam, which will be used to examine your child for any abnormalities. This will include listening to their heart and lungs using a stethoscope, palpating the abdomen to check the size and position of the organs, and noting any unusual circulatory, respiratory or other concerns that may require further investigation. 

If any unusual elements are noted, your pediatrician may recommend that your child undergoes further testing. This could be in the form of blood testing, x-rays, CT scans, or even MRI. Your pediatrician will explain what to expect and why they feel these additional tests are required. 

Immunizations. If your child is due their first or any subsequent boosters of any immunizations, these may be given at their annual physical. This will make it easier to keep track of when they are administered and minimize the inconvenience of having to take them for a separate appointment. The dates and immunizations given will be added to your child’s health record. 

You can help ensure your child is ready for the school year by taking them for an annual physical. For more on annual physicals, visit Advanced Pediatrics PC at our offices in Jackson Heights and Queens, NY. Call 718-271-2600 today.