Summer is a great time for family vacations, outdoor activities and summer sports. But time goes by fast and a new school year will be here before we know it. Knowing this, have you scheduled your child’s physical exam?
Yearly physical exams for children of all ages help parents stay on top of their kids’ health and build trusting relationships with healthcare providers.
“Annual visits give providers the opportunity to give a thorough physical exam including height, weight, vital functions and updating immunization records,” said Emplify Health by Bellin Family Medicine physician Dr. Austin Greenwood. “These exams can also address important questions the child or parent may have related to growth, sexual activity, nutrition and even mental health.”
The exam is also a time discuss any specific exams or evaluations your child may need for school sports.
“We work together to identify sport-specific issues such as past or current injuries and guidance for training or therapies,” Greenwood said. “Syncing your yearly physical with a sports physical exam can help you and your provider stay up-to-date on any health issues that are known or may develop.”
Many families leave these annual exams for the late summer; however, that may be too late to get appointment before the school year begins. To ensure you can get in to see your preferred provider and have the right evaluations performed, it’s recommended to schedule earlier in the summer.
Children who are unsure if they will need a sports physical exam should connect with their coach or team administrator. The team at Emplify Health by Bellin Titletown Sports Medicine & Orthopedics can also provide guidance on physicals needed for various sports.
For more information or to schedule an annual physical exam, please contact your primary care provider. To find an Emplify Health by Bellin provider near you, please visit bellin.org.