Back-to-school time is right around the corner! Along with the annual shopping trips for new clothes and school supplies, don’t forget to schedule your child’s annual physical exam. No matter what grade your child is about to enter, a routine physical exam is an important part of back-to-school preparation. This annual physical can also be combined with a sports physical examination, required if your child will be participating in any sports activities during the school year.
What to Expect
Routine physical: In most cases, a basic back-to-school physical will include a measurement of height, weight, blood pressure, pulse and heart rate, and an examination of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. In addition, the provider will also check hemoglobin, neck, chest and lymph nodes; heart and abdomen; skin and muscles; and the joints and spine.
Immunizations: To prevent the spread of diseases and to keep all kids of all ages safe and healthy, students from kindergarten to college must have proof of immunizations before they can start school. Make sure you keep vaccination records. The clinician can make sure all immunizations are up-to-date, and administer vaccines if needed.
Making the First Day Easier
In addition to their back-to-school physicals, here are some tips to make sure your kids are getting a healthy start to the school year.
Eating during the school day. It’s a fact that children who eat a nutritious breakfast function better. They do better in school, have better concentration, and more energy. If your school does not provide breakfast for children, make sure they eat a breakfast that contains some protein.
Develop a sleep routine. Getting enough sleep is critical for a child to be successful in school. Children who do not get enough sleep have a hard time concentrating and learning as well as they can. Set up a consistent bedtime for your child and stick to it. Have a calming and quiet pre-bedtime routine that may include a bath/shower, reading with them, and tucking them in and saying good night.
Develop good study habits. Schedule ample time for homework. Create a consistent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that is quiet, without distractions, and promotes study. Supervise computer and Internet use and establish a rule that TV and other electronics stay off during homework time.
A healthy student calls for balancing home life, school, social activities, sports, and extracurricular activities. To make sure your child starts the school year healthy, make AFC Urgent Care your go-to for their school/sports physical. If your child gets hurt, we can treat most sports injuries and have an x-ray on-site. Open 7 days a week with extended hours, with no appointment needed. Healthy students are better learners!
With locations in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Norwalk, and Shelton, AFC is always there for you and your families’ health care needs.
