Teaching Tuesday

A-B-C’s of School Physicals

For most kids, summer time means swimming, summer camp and bike riding. It also means time for a physical exam before the start of the new school year. Do parents really know what to expect at their student’s school physical?

Dr. Barbara Bellar, a family medicine physician practicing at MetroSouth Health Center at Blue Island, in Blue Island, Illinois, explains that while a school physical is only required three times during a student’s school career, it is important to bring a child in each year. “As children grow, issues change and the physical exam is a great time to check in with them about things they may not be comfortable speaking with their parents about.” She also recommends bringing a child in at the same time each year which can make it easier to remember when to schedule them.

Dr. Bellar wants parents to be sure that the following are included in a school or physical:

* Medical history
* Height and weight
* Temperature
* Pulse, blood pressure
* Eye and ear check
* Heart and lung check
* Check of throat, gums and tonsils
* Lymph node and thyroid gland check
* Manual spleen, liver and kidney exam
* Check of flexibility and strength in joints of arms and legs
* Spine check for curves (scoliosis)
* Skin examination for abnormal moles and/or bumps
* Full review of all immunizations
* Pelvic exam, “cough test” hernia check/boys

In addition, MetroSouth primary care physicians will offer lifestyle suggestions during the exam, like diet and exercise recommendations, protection from sun exposure and disease prevention. He or she may also offer advice based on the age of the child, such as how to deal with bullies, the risk of eating disorders or proper protection during sexual activity. Emotional issues may also be addressed. With teenagers, alcohol and drug use can also be addressed. If a patient plays sports, the physician will go over prevention of sports injuries.

Most insurance companies will cover an annual check-up every calendar year. In some cases, there will be a small co-pay.

The state of Illinois requires that all children entering kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades have a complete physical exam, including proof of all required immunizations. Most schools also require students participating in sports to complete a sports physical. Dr. Bellar points out that a sports physical should not be considered a complete physical, as it usually just covers an evaluation of height, weight, body/mass index, heart and lungs.