We all know the importance of keeping your child healthy. Of course, even if your child seems healthy it’s still important that you bring them into our practice once a year for a physical. These physicals are often mandatory or, at the very least, highly recommended for all children and teens who are starting the new school year or about to play sports. Dr. Manpreet Sarna recommends that all school-age children get physicals at least once a year along with their regular checkups.
Why are children’s physicals so important?
You would be surprised how much can change in your child’s health in just a few months, let alone a year. Your child is growing by leaps and bounds and it’s important that we are monitoring their development to make sure your child is on track. Physicals also allow us to spot developmental issues or delays early on.
Before your child starts the new school year, and especially before they start playing sports, we need to make sure that they are fully vaccinated before starting school and that they are healthy enough for the physical activity in which they want to participate.
During your child’s physical, we will check their heart, lungs, spine health, reflexes, and mobility to look for potential problems such as scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine), heart murmurs, asthma, or previous musculoskeletal injuries that have been left untreated or overlooked. It’s important that your child is healthy enough to participate in certain activities to protect against potentially serious injuries or health complications.
This is also a time for parents to ask us any questions they may have about their child’s health, nutrition, activities, sleep hygiene, and habits. We know that there is a lot to think about when it comes to your child’s health and the pediatric team here at Laguna Beach Pediatrics is happy to answer any and all questions you may have during your child’s next physical. After all, we are a partnership, working together to make sure that your child grows up healthy and happy.