By: M. Alejandra Moreno, MD
Pediatrician
Preparing your child to go back to school can be a hectic process. In the midst of buying new clothes, books and school supplies, it is important to remember that scheduling a back-to-school physical exam is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your child is ready to begin the upcoming year.
More and more school systems are requiring physical exams for enrollment in classes and, even when they don't, having an annual physical is an important part of a child's health and development. Annual physicals allow a physician to stay up to date on a child's health as he or she grows, and give parents and children a valuable opportunity to ask questions.
A back-to-school check up can provide the perfect opportunity to ensure your child is current on his or her vaccinations. Many schools require children be vaccinated against diseases ranging from the measles and mumps to chickenpox and tetanus before they can begin classes. While most vaccinations are administered before the age of two, an annual visit to the family doctor ensures your child is up to date and aware of new vaccines that protect against diseases such as meningitis.
Developing a relationship with a family doctor can help shape a child's health habits as he or she enters adulthood. Annual physicals help doctors recognize developing medical issues before they become serious. One example of this is eyesight. Time and again, research has linked poor eyesight with poor performance in the classroom. If left unaddressed, common eye problems that could be easily corrected with glasses or contacts may result in poor grades and classroom frustration.
Another important role of a family doctor is to stay connected with his or her patients and be familiar with their health history. This way, if a patient is admitted to the hospital, the family doctor can provide valuable insight and supporting medical records that may lead to more informed treatment decisions.
As children become teenagers and begin to deal with new social and physical issues, an annual check-up gives them a chance to discuss subjects they may not feel comfortable addressing with parents. These topics include smoking, drugs, alcohol, sex and sexually transmitted diseases. A doctor's input on such taboo subjects can serve as another positive voice in the life of a child to point him or her in the right direction.
There are several things parents can do to make the annual back-to-school physical more productive. It's a good idea to sit down with your child and prepare a list of questions for the doctor on topics ranging from nutrition to sports injury prevention. This preparation may also give your child the opportunity to think of questions they want to ask the doctor in private. Also, this is a good time to make note of any unusual behavior you have noticed in your child. Family doctors often have a great deal of experience with children at every stage of development and can shed light on whether behavior is natural or cause for concern.
An annual physical exam can be a beneficial visit for you, your child and your family doctor. Be sure to include it as part of your back-to-school routine each year.
Dr. Moreno is now accepting new patients and most insurance. Her office is located in suite 120 of the Steinle Medical Building at South Texas Regional Medical Center in Jourdanton. Please call (830) 769-1045, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to schedule an appointment.
Sources:
WebMD
www.webmd.com
FamilyEducation.com
www.familyeducation.com