School Physicals in Castle Rock and Centennial, CO

During a school physical, your child’s pediatrician will have an opportunity to examine them and determine their progress from year to year. The younger years are more heavily focused on developmental progress and vaccinations, while adolescent years tend to be more focused on psychological and physical changes.

This exam for teens gives them a chance to ask any questions relating to adolescent issues such as drinking, smoking, drugs, sexual activity, and depression.

What is Measured During a School Physical?

Most routine school physicals will examine several factors to determine a child’s current state of health, such as:

• Height
• Weight
• Vision
• Hearing
• Blood pressure
• General functionality of the eyes, nose, ears, and throat
• Lymph nodes
• Muscle development
• Reflexes
• Heart rate
• Potential problems within the abdomen, joints, or spine

Your pediatrician is also likely to take a few moments during a school physical to review the patient’s medical history, including their past immunizations.

What is Unique About a School Physical?

A school physical is centered around measuring the child’s developmental changes. Other physicals are mainly used to assess the child’s ability to perform a particular activity, while school physicals are checking the child’s overall well being.

Why Do Children Need a Physical Before Starting School?

It is required for all children to be up-to-date on necessary vaccinations in order to attend school, which is part of what makes these physicals such an important process. If, in the event that your child has not yet received a mandatory vaccine, a pediatrician within our pediatric office will be able to provide you with access to that particular immunization.