The next school year is right around the corner and now is the best time to schedule your child’s physical ahead of school deadlines and their next sports season.
“Annual physicals are important to track growth, keep children up to date on vaccinations, developing appropriately, screen for problems early and ensure kids are healthy and safe for school and sports,” Jon Youakim, MD, pediatrics, Carle Urbana on Windsor, said.
In Illinois, physicals are required for children beginning kindergarten, sixth grade and nineth grade.
“Identifying issues and risk factors early before an illness leads to better outcomes, which is vital to optimizing a child's quality of life for their entire life,” Dr. Youakim said. “It also encourages open communication by building trust with a provider they see on a regular basis.”
Student athletes are also required to have a yearly physical conducted ahead of their sports season.
“Annual physicals help establish a baseline for your child’s health and development,” Jeremy Brunner, PA-C, pediatrics, Carle Urbana on Windsor, said. “We can screen for cardiac conditions or other medical conditions like asthma that could put your child’s health at risk while exercising or playing sports.”
Throughout the Carle Health system, physicals can be done with your child’s primary care provider (PCP). And now is the time to schedule those appointments before the back-to-school rush in the fall.
“At a school physical appointment, your child’s physician will go through routine screenings to track their development,” Stefanie Schroeder, DO, pediatrics, Carle Champaign on Curtis, said. “This might include hearing and vision checks, a blood draw and checking in on their exercise, sleep and nutrition.”
Appointments can be made through your child’s MyCarle account. You can also establish a primary care provider for your child or review other local options for an annual physical and beyond by visiting carle.org.
“These appointments allow us to evaluate a child’s strength and flexibility. But it’s important to inform your child’s physician about any recent injuries or concussions,” Brunner said. “That way we can track the healing process to prevent re-injury or pain.”
A PCP appointment is also an opportunity to speak with your child’s doctor about what vaccinations they are eligible to receive.
“Physicals help make sure that all students and student athletes are healthy and safe. This is also a great time to get your child up to date on any immunizations they’re due for before the next school year,” Dr. Schroeder said. “This is particularly important for children entering kindergarten who will need a few immunizations before school like the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella, and DTaP to protect them against whooping cough.”
From physical appointments to annual visits, managing chronic conditions, health milestones and more, your Carle Health primary care provider is here to meet your family’s health needs.
“Physicals help families and physicians identify issues that could worsen with activity, and it is an opportunity for parents and providers to discuss safety and preventative care with children to encourage safe and healthy behaviors as they grow,” Dr. Youakim said.
For more information about scheduling a school or sports physical, visit carle.org/pediatrics.
“Annual physicals are important to track growth, keep children up to date on vaccinations, developing appropriately, screen for problems early and ensure kids are healthy and safe for school and sports,” Jon Youakim, MD, pediatrics, Carle Urbana on Windsor, said.
In Illinois, physicals are required for children beginning kindergarten, sixth grade and nineth grade.
“Identifying issues and risk factors early before an illness leads to better outcomes, which is vital to optimizing a child's quality of life for their entire life,” Dr. Youakim said. “It also encourages open communication by building trust with a provider they see on a regular basis.”
Student athletes are also required to have a yearly physical conducted ahead of their sports season.
“Annual physicals help establish a baseline for your child’s health and development,” Jeremy Brunner, PA-C, pediatrics, Carle Urbana on Windsor, said. “We can screen for cardiac conditions or other medical conditions like asthma that could put your child’s health at risk while exercising or playing sports.”
Throughout the Carle Health system, physicals can be done with your child’s primary care provider (PCP). And now is the time to schedule those appointments before the back-to-school rush in the fall.
“At a school physical appointment, your child’s physician will go through routine screenings to track their development,” Stefanie Schroeder, DO, pediatrics, Carle Champaign on Curtis, said. “This might include hearing and vision checks, a blood draw and checking in on their exercise, sleep and nutrition.”
Appointments can be made through your child’s MyCarle account. You can also establish a primary care provider for your child or review other local options for an annual physical and beyond by visiting carle.org.
“These appointments allow us to evaluate a child’s strength and flexibility. But it’s important to inform your child’s physician about any recent injuries or concussions,” Brunner said. “That way we can track the healing process to prevent re-injury or pain.”
A PCP appointment is also an opportunity to speak with your child’s doctor about what vaccinations they are eligible to receive.
“Physicals help make sure that all students and student athletes are healthy and safe. This is also a great time to get your child up to date on any immunizations they’re due for before the next school year,” Dr. Schroeder said. “This is particularly important for children entering kindergarten who will need a few immunizations before school like the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella, and DTaP to protect them against whooping cough.”
From physical appointments to annual visits, managing chronic conditions, health milestones and more, your Carle Health primary care provider is here to meet your family’s health needs.
“Physicals help families and physicians identify issues that could worsen with activity, and it is an opportunity for parents and providers to discuss safety and preventative care with children to encourage safe and healthy behaviors as they grow,” Dr. Youakim said.
For more information about scheduling a school or sports physical, visit carle.org/pediatrics.
Categories: Community