School Physicals Exam in Cary, NC
A school physical exam is a routine checkup required for students to ensure they are healthy and fit for school activities. This exam typically includes a review of the child’s medical history, a physical examination, and necessary vaccinations. It helps identify any health concerns early and ensures compliance with school and sports participation requirements. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 1021 Darrington Drive, Suite 101 Cary, NC 27513.
Table of Contents:
What is the purpose of a school physical?
What is usually included in a physical exam?
How do I prepare my child for the physical?
How often should my child have a school physical?
At Generations Family Practice, we understand the importance of school physicals in promoting the health and well-being of students. We take the time to thoroughly evaluate your child’s general health, including height and weight measurements, blood pressure and pulse checks, and visual and hearing tests. Our team also conducts thorough examinations of the heart, lungs, and abdomen to help detect any underlying health conditions or concerns that may require further evaluation or treatment.
At Generations Family Practice, we are skilled in identifying and addressing health issues during school physicals. We ensure your child’s immunizations are up to date, identify potential vision or hearing problems, diagnose skin conditions, detect developmental delays, and manage chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes. Our timely intervention can prevent these health problems from worsening and ensure your child receives the appropriate care as soon as possible.
Promoting healthy habits is a crucial part of our approach to school physicals. We take the opportunity to educate both students and parents about healthy lifestyle choices, covering a range of topics from proper nutrition and regular exercise to sleep hygiene and substance abuse prevention.
We also understand that in many states, including ours, school physicals are legally required for students to enroll in school or participate in certain extracurricular activities. At Generations Family Practice, we ensure that your child meets these health standards and is safe to engage in these activities.
At Generations Family Practice, we offer Comprehensive Physical Examinations as a part of our commitment to preventive health care. We believe that a thorough evaluation of an individual’s health status is vital in maintaining their overall well-being. Our team of trained professional doctors and nurses is dedicated to ensuring that each patient’s health is thoroughly assessed, allowing us to identify any potential health issues early on.
Our comprehensive physical examination process starts with a detailed review of the patient’s medical history. We take into account lifestyle factors, personal habits, diet, and exercise routines. At Generations Family Practice, we understand the importance of family medical history in identifying any inherited health risks.
We conduct a general examination assessing vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, and body temperature. We also observe the patient’s general appearance to note any signs of distress or potential health issues.
Our doctors are skilled in examining the head, neck, lymph nodes, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth using specialized instruments. This examination aids in identifying common issues like vision problems, hearing loss, oral health issues, and sinus problems.
At Generations Family Practice, we also understand the importance of cancer screenings. We conduct skin cancer screenings, along with other laboratory tests including blood tests, urine tests, cholesterol checks, and diabetes screenings. These tests help us detect diseases that may not show any symptoms.
At Generations Family Practice, we understand that preparing your child for their first physical examination can be a challenging task. That’s why we’re here to help and support you throughout every step of the process.
Before the Exam:
When you schedule your child’s appointment with us, we encourage you to take the time to explain what a physical examination is. At Generations Family Practice, our doctors will conduct a thorough health check-up, ensuring that your child is growing and developing well. Be sure to assure your child that this is a normal part of staying healthy and that our doctors are there to help them.
On your visit, our team may ask about your child’s health history, medications, and any concerns you may have. If immunizations are part of the physical, we recommend letting your child know beforehand.
Day of the Exam:
We kindly ask that your child is dressed comfortably, to allow our healthcare provider to easily conduct the examination. Please remember to bring your child’s health records, insurance card, and any medications they are currently taking.
During the Exam:
During your child’s physical exam at Generations Family Practice, we encourage you to be transparent about your health. If your child feels uncomfortable with any part of the exam, please let our healthcare provider know so we can respect their boundaries and provide alternatives.
At Generations Family Practice, we understand that regular school physicals play an essential role in your child’s health and well-being. These physicals are a key component of preventive healthcare, allowing us to detect any potential health issues that could impact your child’s ability to learn and engage in school activities effectively. Our comprehensive examinations provide a thorough assessment of your child’s overall health, allowing us to identify any underlying conditions and provide age-appropriate guidance and support.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual physicals for children starting from the age of 3, a crucial age for monitoring growth and development. However, depending on your child’s age and unique circumstances, the frequency of these physicals at Generations Family Practice may vary. Our suggested schedule is as follows:
Preschool Age (3-5 Years):
● One physical before starting preschool or kindergarten
Elementary School Age (6-12 Years):
● One physical every year before the start of the school year
Adolescence (13-18 Years):
● One physical every two years or as needed based on your child’s health and development
There may be exceptions to this general guideline. For instance, some schools and states require annual physicals for participation in sports or other extracurricular activities. Additionally, if your child has a chronic condition such as asthma, diabetes, or a heart condition, or if they are taking any long-term medication, they may need to visit us at Generations Family Practice more frequently. These visits will help us monitor their chronic condition, and their response to medication, and ensure these factors are not affecting their school performance.
At Generations Family Practice, we believe in providing individualized healthcare. While annual physicals are generally recommended, the specific health needs and activities of your child may necessitate more frequent check-ups. We encourage you to always consult with our pediatricians or healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate schedule for school physicals. Regular checkups at our practice allow us to track your child’s growth, provide necessary vaccinations, address any concerns you or their teachers may have, and promote healthy habits. For more information, please contact us today or book an appointment online now! We are conveniently located at 1021 Darrington Drive, Suite 101, Cary, NC 27513. We serve patients from Cary NC, Raleigh NC, Morrisville NC, Apex NC, Southwest Raleigh NC, Olde Raleigh NC, and the surrounding areas!
Additional Services You May Need
▸ Annual Physicals
▸ Diabetes
▸ Osteopathic Manipulation
▸ Preventive Medicine
▸ Immunizations
▸ Men’s Health
▸ Medical Weight Loss
▸ Back Pain
▸ Women’s Health
▸ STD Testing
▸ Chronic Care Management