HonorHealth offers answers to FAQs on annual checkups
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The new school year will be here before you know it, so it’s time to start working on your back-to-school checklist: backpack, supplies and maybe some new threads — there’s plenty of shopping to do.
However, there’s one more important item to mark off your list – annual checkups for your family.
“Physicals are important because they evaluate your child’s overall health and well-being to set them up for success in school,” says Matthew Zweig, MD, a family medicine specialist with HonorHealth Medical Group. “These exams help prevent or diagnose problems before they progress. We also give school-required vaccines, one of the best ways to steer clear of preventable diseases, so your kids are up to date on their immunizations.”
Your doctor should also take the time to talk with you and your child and answer any questions. This may seem like idle chatter and small talk, but Dr. Zweig says that two-way conversation can help assess social and mental challenges associated with the stress and anxiety of going back to school – or just life in general. If your child plans to play sports, they’ll also need a sports physical which are required to practice and compete in Arizona interscholastic athletic programs.
Step one is completing a comprehensive screening form covering your child athlete’s previous injuries, medical conditions, eating habits and a detailed family medical history.
Step two involves a physical exam where your child’s vitals are taken and their vision is checked along with their heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose and throat. Testing will also examine their strength, flexibility, posture and joints.
“With the form and exam, we’re looking for underlying abnormalities that could impact your child’s health while playing sports,” explains Victoria Eby, DO, a sports medicine specialist and independent member of the HonorHealth Medical Staff. “Our goal is to protect the health and well-being of all our athletes.”
Depending on your school district, your doctor may also perform a baseline concussion test and possibly an EKG. Additional tests may be needed if any potential risks or issues are identified after reviewing your child’s screening form and completing their physical exam.
“It’s important that both you and your child are as open and honest as possible throughout this process,” Dr. Eby adds. “If a follow up is needed after the physical, it’s nothing to fear and doesn’t mean your child can’t participate. We want to make sure we’re capturing everything we can, creating the safest environment for all.”
HonorHealth offers sports physicals at our primary care sports medicine locations and at select HonorHealth Urgent Cares.
