It may seem hard to believe in these temperatures, but it’s true: the end of summer is quickly approaching. Back-to-school signs are up in the stores, and parents are starting to think about school supplies and new schedules.
One essential item on your back-to-school list should be a wellness physical. If you find yourself searching for “school physicals near me,” you are on track to starting the new school year off right. As the resident healthcare professionals in Adams County, the EARH team will be the first to tell you: school physicals are an essential part of your child’s well-being.
In this article, you’ll learn more about why these appointments matter, what they can tell you about your child’s health, and the value of getting one from your local family doctor.
Schedule a School Physical Near Me
Why School Physicals Matter
A lot of schools require physicals before a child can enroll or participate in sports. These annual exams, sometimes called a well-child exam, provide records about your child’s health, that they are up-to-date on immunizations, and physically ready for school activities. Even if they aren’t required, school physicals can give parents peace of mind that their child is doing well.
During a school physical, your doctor will assess how your child is growing. Tracking their height, weight, and developmental milestones from year to year can help your doctor spot any potential concerns and provide support where needed. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or their senior year, regular school physicals can be the groundwork for a lifetime of health.
School physicals can also help with:
- Early detection of health issues. Many health conditions, like scoliosis or asthma, can be detected early during a routine checkup, often before the symptoms become obvious.
- Monitoring growth and development. Kids grow fast! School physicals allow providers to compare markers like height, weight, and BMI over time to make sure your child is growing as expected.
- Behavioral and mental health check-ins. Your doctor might screen for signs of anxiety, depression, or behavioral concerns, offering support or referrals if needed.
- Setting healthy habits: These visits are a great opportunity to talk about sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and other habits that can set your child up for long-term health.
Even if your child seems perfectly healthy, an annual physical can reveal important information about their well-being. It’s a chance to check in, ask questions, and get personalized advice from a trusted family doctor.
What’s Included in a School Physical?
A typical school physical will usually include:
- Review of medical history and previous illnesses
- Height, weight, and vital signs checks
- Vision and hearing screenings
- Assessment of heart, lungs, spine, and joints
- Review of healthy habits
- Developmental and behavioral assessments
- Updating medical records
Before the physical, take a few minutes to make a list of questions to ask the doctor regarding your child’s health. It’s a great time to ask about sleep habits, screen time, nutrition, or even social development.
The Role of Immunizations and School Health
Vaccinations are one of the most effective tools in keeping children and communities safe from preventable diseases. During a physical, our team will make sure your child is up-to-date based on CDC guidelines. We can administer any missing doses during the same appointment.
Some of the most common vaccines children receive during their school years include:
- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Polio
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Hepatitis A and B
- Tdap booster (often required before middle school)
- HPV (recommended starting around age 11 or 12)
- Meningococcal (for older children and teens)
Vaccination requirements can vary depending on your child’s age, school, or district guidelines. If you have questions or concerns about immunizations, talk to our family doctors. They are happy to answer your questions and create an immunization schedule that works for your family’s health.
School Physicals vs. Sports Physicals: Is There a Difference?
If your child is an athlete, they may be required to get a sports physical. While there is some overlap with a typical school physical, there are some important differences between the two.
- School physicals are a comprehensive wellness exam that evaluates a child’s overall health and development.
- Sports physicals focus specifically on whether it’s safe for your child to participate in a physical activity.
EARH can save you time by combining these physicals into one visit. Just be sure to bring any required forms from your child’s school or sports team.
One Quick Visit, Peace of Mind for a Whole Year
School physicals are usually quick appointments, but the benefits of these visits can last for the entire year. Your child gets a check-up, you get the records you need for school and sports teams, and your provider has a better idea of how to support your child’s well-being.
The process is easy, too. Here’s what you’ll need to bring to the appointment:
- Any forms that your school or sports league requires the doctor to sign
- A list of questions or concerns to discuss during the visit
- Any updates about changes at home, school, or with their behavior
We’ll handle the rest.
Why You Should Choose a Local Family Doctor
When you choose to bring your child to EARH for their back-to-school physical, it means your child is seen by a provider who understands the local community. When you stick with a provider year after year, they get to know you and your family, along with your child’s medical history, growth patterns, and health goals. This continuity of care makes each visit more personal and effective.
EARH’s family doctors can often schedule school physicals for siblings together, making it more convenient for families to get everything done in one appointment. We also offer school physicals year-round at both our mobile clinic and during walk-in hours at our Ritzville hospital.
We’re working to keep costs low so healthcare is more accessible throughout Adams County. If your family doesn’t currently have medical insurance, we offer sliding scale discounts and payment plans to make care more affordable. Talk to our financial services team to learn more about your options.
Book Your Child’s Physical Today
If you’re searching for school physicals near me, East Adams is here to help. We make it easy for families in Adams County to access trusted care from local doctors to understand their needs.
Call to schedule your child’s school physical today or visit us online to learn where our mobile clinic will be next. We’re looking forward to helping you make this the healthiest school year yet!
