When Is the Best Time to Get a School Physical?

Did your child just inform you that he or she needs a physical to participate in a sport or activity? Luckily, school physicals are one of the many services your pediatricians at Downers Grove Pediatrics in Downers Grove and Bolingbrook, IL, offer.

Reasons your child may need a school physical

A school physical may be required if your child will be:

• Playing a Sport: School physicals ensure that your child is healthy enough to play sports. During a school physical at the Downers Grove or Bolingbrook, IL pediatrics office, the doctor will also make sure that any chronic conditions are adequately managed and injuries fully healed.
• Enrolling in a New School: Some schools require physicals as part of the admissions process.
• Attending Summer Camp: Summer camps may also request physicals as a requirement for enrollment.

The best time to schedule a school physical

It's best to schedule a school physical six to eight weeks before the start of the season or the due date for the completed school physical form. Since many other parents will also be calling to schedule physicals, it may not be possible to find an open appointment if you wait until a week or two before the first practice. In some cases, follow-up visits may be needed if your child has an injury that hasn't healed completely or has a chronic condition that isn't under control. When you make an appointment as soon as possible, there will be more time for the injury to heal or the condition to be properly managed.

In addition to checking your child's vital signs, measuring his or her height or weight, and evaluating eyes, ears, nose, throat and lungs, the school physical will also include an evaluation of posture, flexibility, joint stability, strength and reflexes. If your child isn't up-to-date on his or her immunizations, the shots can also be provided during the school physical.

Do you need to make an appointment for your son or daughter's school physical? Schedule a visit with your Downers Grove and Bolingbrook, IL, pediatricians at Downers Grove Pediatrics by calling (630) 759-9230 for the Bolingbrook office or (630) 852-4551 for the Downers Grove office.