School Physicals for Students in Omaha, Nebraska
Ensure your children can safely participate in school activitiesOften you realize your child needs a physical a few days before school starts. This is when you call your pediatric urgent care near you, Nebraska Home Pediatrics & Parents, to schedule a same-day school physical.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical groups recommend annual physicals to ensure children can safely participate in sports and other activities. Aside from that, Nebraska state laws also require every child attending kindergarten, starting seventh grade, or considering playing a school sport to have a current physical on file. Schedule an appointment with one of our medical providers if your child falls in any of these categories.
What You and Your Child Can Expect From a School Physical
A school physical is like an annual kids’ wellness check. Our provider examines the different areas of your child’s health, including physical, emotional, social, and developmental progress. Depending on the child’s medical and family history, the healthcare provider may conduct a more in-depth exam, request lab work and administer an immunization. This is your opportunity as the guardian to raise any concerns regarding your child’s sleeping habits, nutrition, and adolescent issues.
Injury and Illness Prevention
Musculoskeletal injuries are pretty common among young athletes. The provider will ask about previous physical injuries and their recovery period, and discuss any musculoskeletal abnormalities with the provider.
Also, head injuries and concussions are common in contact sports. The child or parent should report any concussion-like symptoms they have been experiencing, like fatigue, poor concentration, and headache. This gives the provider a baseline assessment of the child’s symptoms to reduce the over-diagnosis of post-concussion syndrome in children with such symptoms.
Mental Health and Preparedness
A school physical also involves a mental health assessment. Many young children put much pressure on themselves to perform, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. The medical provider asks the child a few questions in private to gauge their mental health and recommend the right treatment.
After reviewing the child’s medical history, next comes a complete body physical examination while focusing on areas of concern like previous injuries. Male students may wonder if they should be checked for inguinal hernias. It’s unnecessary unless they have a history of the condition or other testicular conditions.
Once the school physical is done, the medical provider decides if the student can perform in school activities or needs further evaluation. Even children with red-flag conditions like cardiac concerns are often cleared without worries, but may need to see a specialist for official clearance.
Book a School Physical or Sports Physical Evaluation now.
There’s no better time than now to complete your child’s school or sports physical evaluation. Contact us, and let us ensure your child can safely participate in school activities.