School Physicals

What is a school physical?

A school physical is a routine health exam completed before the start of a new academic year. 

Many public and private schools in North Carolina require students to undergo an annual school physical. This process ensures your child is up-to-date on all of their necessary immunizations and helps identify health problems that might affect their performance in the classroom. 

How do I prepare my child for a school physical?

Preparing your child for a school physical is easy. 

First, document your child’s medical history. This includes a list of their allergies as well as any medical conditions that might affect their schooling, such as a developmental delay or learning disorder. Likewise, write down all of the medications your child currently takes. If they wear glasses or hearing aids, document that information as well. 

Next, talk to your child about what they can expect at their physical. Since many kids get nervous about visiting the doctor, a brief conversation can help them relax and feel more comfortable. Additionally, encourage your child to speak up during their appointment. If they have unusual symptoms or specific health concerns, it’s important to share that information with their provider.

What do school physicals involve?

Doctor’s Own Urgent Care tailors school physicals to each child’s needs. Even so, most visits include the following:

Physical exam

A physical exam assesses your child’s physical and mental health. It also checks for underlying medical conditions that might affect schoolwork, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and hearing loss. 

During a physical, your child’s provider listens to your child’s heart and respiratory rate, checks your child’s blood pressure, gently presses on your child’s abdomen to check the size and location of the internal organs, and assesses your child’s muscle strength and reflexes. Your child’s provider also assesses their hearing and vision.

Lab testing

Lab testing like blood work and urinalysis analyzes samples of bodily fluids. These tests help Doctor’s Own Urgent Care identify underlying health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and allergies. 

Immunizations

Immunizations, or vaccines, train your child’s immune system to identify and defend against viruses and bacteria. Doctor’s Own Urgent Care develops a personalized vaccine schedule for your child to ensure they’re protected against the most common contagious illnesses. 

Call Doctor’s Own Urgent Care to schedule a school physical for your child, or book an appointment online today.