"
No matter what grade your child is entering, a routine physical is an important part of getting ready for the upcoming school year. This annual exam can also be combined with your child’s sports physical if they plan on participating in any sports or extracurricular activities throughout the school year.
Here are a few things you should expect during your child’s physical.
Assessment of physical well-being
During your child’s school physical, the physician will conduct measurements and assessments of your child’s growth and development including:
- Height
- Weight
- Pulse
- Blood Pressure
- Eyes
- Ears
- Nose
- Throat
- Skin and Muscles
- Joints
- Spine
Building a medical history
Routine physicals give young patients an opportunity to build a medical history. Having long-term record allows the physician to monitor your child’s progress and development over time, so they can provide effective treatment plans for times when they are sick.
The physician will also conduct a family medical history review, previous illnesses, injuries or hospitalization, and current medications.
Why does my child need a physical?
Every child should have an annual exam with a pediatrician or family doctor monitor their growth and development, and discuss health conditions that may interfere with their performance.
If your child is involved in sports, their program might require them to receive additional physical examinations to detect underlying health conditions such as asthma.
When should I have my child’s physical administered?
Unfortunately, busy schedules and limited appointment availability makes it a hassle for parents to schedule a checkup before the start of the school year. If you have a deadline for your child’s back to school or sports physical, visit AFC Urgent Care Methuen for walk-in physicals.
Our walk-in clinic is open seven days a week with convenient night and weekend hours when most doctor’s offices are closed, making it easy to get your child’s complete physical for school, sports, extracurricular activities, and camp. You can visit us at any time, or you can check-in online at a time that works best for you.
For more information about the services we provide, please call us at 978-975-0700.
"
