How Long Are School Physicals Good For?
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With the new school year fast approaching, it's important to make sure your child's school physical is current. These exams are usually valid for a year, which means if your child hasn't had one recently, it might be time to schedule a visit. At Lawrence Family Practice Center in Lawrence, KS, we make it easy to keep your child's health in check, ensuring they're ready for the challenges of the academic year.
Why does my child need a physical exam for school?
A school physical is more than just a routine check-up; it's a crucial step in ensuring your child is healthy and ready to thrive in the school year ahead. Schools often require these exams to confirm that students are in good health and can participate safely in school activities. Beyond meeting requirements, a physical exam also offers a valuable opportunity for parents to discuss any health concerns or questions with our team. This ensures that potential issues are addressed early, helping to support your child's overall well-being throughout the year.
What happens during a physical?
A school physical at Lawrence Family Practice Center includes several steps:
- Medical history review: A member of our team will discuss your child's medical history, including any past illnesses, surgeries, or chronic conditions.
- Growth assessment: Height and weight are measured to track growth and development.
- Vital signs check: Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are monitored.
- Physical examination: Your child's doctor checks the heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat.
- Vision and hearing tests: These are performed to ensure your child's senses are functioning properly.
- Immunization update: We will confirm that your child is up to date on all necessary vaccinations for school attendance.
This thorough examination helps ensure your child is ready for the demands of the school year.
How long are school physicals good for?
Generally, school physicals are valid for one year from the date of the exam. This means if your child had a physical for school in August 2023, it would typically be valid until August 2024. Annual physicals are important because they allow our providers to monitor any changes in your child's health and address them promptly. To avoid any last-minute rush, it's a good idea to schedule your child's physical well before the start of the school year.
Is there a difference between a school physical and a sports physical?
While school physicals and sports physicals share similarities, they serve slightly different purposes. A school physical is a general health check to ensure your child is fit for academic and daily activities. In contrast, a sports physical is more focused on evaluating your child's fitness for participating in sports. This includes a closer look at their musculoskeletal health, cardiovascular fitness, and history of injuries. If your child plays sports, it's essential to have both a general school physical and a sports physical to ensure they're ready for both the classroom and the playing field.
Schedule your child's school physical today
As the school year approaches, don't forget to schedule your child's school physical at Lawrence Family Practice Center. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your child's health and well-being so they're prepared for a successful year ahead. Whether your child needs a school physical, a sports physical, or both, we're here to help. Reach out to our friendly family doctors in Lawrence, KS today to make an appointment and ensure your child is ready for the upcoming school year.