Do I Need a Physical Exam Every Year?
How often should you see a medical professional to ensure you’re in good health? Find out how often you should get a physical based on your age and medical history.
What Does a Child's Physical Include
According to California State law, all students must have a complete record of their immunizations. In addition, certain schools recommend students get a physical exam before attending classes.
A yearly physical can uncover a number of problems that may arrive unexpectedly, such as unexpected weight gain or poor growth. It can also detect serious health issues before they worsen.
Our expert at Casa De Salud, Afshin Akhavan, regularly performs school physicals. Below, we asked him to explain what parents and children can expect during a school physical.
Stressing the importance of safety measures
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Akhavan may offer tips on how your child can stay protected against viral infections. These tips may include adopting a healthy and active lifestyle to boost immunity, getting adequate sun exposure, washing hands often, and respecting school safety standards (e.g., wearing a mask and practicing social distancing).
Testing for injuries and various health conditions
During a school physical, Dr. Akhavan tests your child’s hearing, sight, breathing, joint strength, flexibility, and heart rhythm. He measures your child’s height and weight, and he also looks for blood pressure abnormalities, hernias, and scoliosis.
Overtraining can lead to overuse injuries and amenorrhea (missed periods). In these cases, Dr. Akhavan may recommend changes in diet and training routine.
Reviewing your child’s medical history
Keep your child’s health records on hand. Also, bring a list of your child’s allergies and a list of medications or supplements your child is taking.
If chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer run in your family, Dr. Akhavan may make recommendations to decrease your child’s risk of developing those conditions.
However, it’s unlikely that your child’s medical history would prevent them from being allowed to participate in sports. If they receive proper care, your child can likely continue participating even if they suffer from asthma, for example.
Get a school physical with us in Los Angeles, California
In the 2021-2022 school year, classes will not be held remotely, but in person, with a few changes, such as wearing masks in class and practicing social distancing. As your child returns to school, it is important to know if he or she is in good health, especially during a worldwide pandemic.
Get peace of mind by scheduling an appointment with us at one of our two Los Angeles, California, locations. Our experts can detect health issues early on, and they can help your child thrive by offering personalized advice on how to avoid injuries and illnesses.
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