Back-to-School Health: Why Annual School Physicals Matter
As children prepare for the school year, school supplies and class schedules often take center stage. But one of the most important back-to-school steps is often overlooked: the annual school physical. At Growing Together Pediatrics, LLC—serving families from our Orlando and Ocoee offices, with a new Winter Springs location opening soon—pediatricians provide thorough physical exams designed to keep children healthy, active, and ready to learn.
More Than a Requirement
Many schools require physicals before a child can participate in sports or enroll in classes—but these visits are about more than meeting a deadline. Annual physicals give families and providers a chance to evaluate growth, identify early signs of health concerns, and stay up to date on immunizations.
By tracking development year after year, pediatricians can spot changes in posture, vision, weight, and behavior that may benefit from early intervention.
What’s Included in a School Physical?
At Growing Together Pediatrics, school physicals are tailored to each child’s age and unique needs. A typical visit includes height and weight measurements, blood pressure and heart rate checks, vision and hearing screenings, review of medical history and vaccinations, a physical exam, and time to discuss sleep, nutrition, emotional well-being, and social development.
These visits are also a great opportunity for parents and children to ask questions and build a stronger relationship with their pediatrician.
The Link Between Health and Academic Success
When children feel well physically and emotionally, they’re better prepared to focus, participate, and thrive in the classroom. Routine physicals help identify concerns like sleep problems, anxiety, or attention difficulties—issues that may otherwise go unnoticed during the school year.
Catching these concerns early allows for better planning, more support, and improved outcomes both in and out of the classroom.
Growing Access, Same Commitment to Care
With offices in Orlando and Ocoee—and our new Winter Springs location opening soon—Growing Together Pediatrics, LLC makes it convenient for families across Central Florida to access comprehensive school physicals. Our compassionate, kid-friendly team works to create a calm and supportive environment for every child.
To schedule your child’s school physical, call (407) 770-1414. Preparing for a healthy school year starts with a checkup that looks at the whole child—not just the paperwork.