{"id":13667,"date":"2020-08-03T08:00:31","date_gmt":"2020-08-03T12:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=13667"},"modified":"2020-08-31T13:49:15","modified_gmt":"2020-08-31T17:49:15","slug":"school-physical","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/school-physical\/","title":{"rendered":"Time to schedule a back-to-school physical"},"content":{"rendered":"

As summer rolls on, many parents start making lists of all the things they need to do before the new school year starts. Getting a school physical for your child should definitely get a space on your to-do list. This is your chance to make sure your child is healthy and everything is on track\u2014and that nothing problematic is going undetected.<\/span><\/p>\n

While 2020 may not be like any other school year, checking in on physical health is always a safe practice, even if classes will be online in your area.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t want to take a chance with your child,\u201d says pediatrician<\/span> Danelle Fisher<\/span><\/a>, MD, vice chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John\u2019s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does your child need a physical every year?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Doctors say yes. Leah Alexander, MD, explains that it\u2019s important not to skip a year when it comes to scheduling your kid\u2019s check-ups.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProblems such as poor growth, unexpected weight gain or loss, and psychosocial issues that affect school performance and overall well being can otherwise be missed,\u201d says Dr. Alexander, a medical consultant with <\/span>Mom Loves Best<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you live in an area that\u2019s currently experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak, the <\/span>CDC recommends<\/span><\/a> delaying routine healthcare\u2014but the <\/span>American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) is urging<\/span><\/a> consistent care. It\u2019s always a good practice to see what your child\u2019s provider recommends.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On the day of the appointment, you should stay home if you\u2019re experiencing symptoms of coronavirus. Make sure to wear a mask when you go to the healthcare facility, and stay in the car until your appointment time to limit contact with others in the waiting room. Or, <\/span>ask about telehealth options<\/span><\/a>. In spite of the COVID-19 outbreak, it is especially important to keep vaccines up to date.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does a school physical consist of?<\/span><\/h2>\n

During a typical school physical appointment, your child\u2019s pediatrician will likely check the following:<\/span><\/p>\n