Routine physical exams are of high significance to keep your child healthy. They focus on your child’s mental and physical development and help to identify potential health concerns at their earliest stages when interventions or treatments are typically most effective.
Besides annual physicals, your child may also require other physical exams, such as a sports physical, aiming to assess your child’s ability to take part in a particular sport.
Let’s talk about some physicals that can help you realize your child’s mental and health conditions and where to go in Purchase for such physicals.
Annual Physicals
Annual physicals are designed to check your child’s overall health and development, along with their immunization status. These are recommended even if your child isn’t sick or experiencing any symptoms to ensure their physical and emotional stability and that they are developing and functioning optimally. In fact, regular physicals and wellness checks are highly imperative from birth up to age 21.
During a physical exam, your pediatrician will review your child’s personal and family health history, check for any changes in their health since their last visit, and perform a thorough but non-invasive, head-to-toe check to evaluate the major aspects of your child’s health. These may include:
- Height and weight (and head circumference during infancy)
- Body temperature
- Blood pressure
- Listening to the heart and lungs
- Examining the ears, nose, mouth, throat, abdomen, chest
- Skin health
- Checking joints and reflexes
- Posture, flexibility, strength
- Vision and hearing tests
Your pediatrician may recommend additional testing and treatment services immediately upon identifying any potential health issues.
It is also encouraged to ask any questions or raise any concerns about your child during a routine physical to maintain your child’s health, development, or wellbeing.
Back-To-School Physicals
A back-to-school physical before going back to school for the new school year is as important as a routine physical. It can often be incorporated with an annual physical examination. Annual health requirements can vary depending on the school and state, but a yearly exam is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that each child is in good health and is up-to-date with their immunizations.
Sports Physicals
Unlike annual physicals, a sports physical focuses explicitly on whether it is safe for your child to participate in a particular sport. Many states require students to have a sports physical before playing any school sports, especially high school athletes. However, even if it isn’t mandated, it is still recommended to ensure and realize your child’s activity in any sports. The examination will take into account your child’s physical fitness level and medical history, including any past injuries, such as bone fractures, sprains, or concussions. It will also screen for:
- Family health conditions
- Heart conditions
- Joint and bone conditions
- Mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety
A sports physical is also an ideal opportunity to raise concerns and ask questions about your child’s health, diet, and playing sports, such as safety to avoid injury and concussions during sport.
Child Physicals in Purchase, NY
Routine physical exams are crucial to maintain your child’s physical and emotional health and to prevent major health issues in the future. If you are looking for high-quality and compassionate care for your child, visit Westchester Park Pediatrics today. We offer a comprehensive range of children’s healthcare services, including primary care, routine examinations, mental health services, vision and hearing care, lab services, wound care, ear piercing, etc.
To schedule a physical or to find out more about our services, contact us today at (914) 761-1717, or you can schedule a consultation online.
