A kid’s physical, also known as a well-child visit, is a comprehensive health examination designed specifically for children and adolescents.
During a kid’s physical, a pediatrician assesses various aspects of a child’s health and development, including growth, nutrition, behavior, and overall well-being. These check-ups are typically scheduled at regular intervals from infancy through adolescence to monitor a child’s health and ensure they are meeting developmental milestones.
This article discusses what goes on during a child’s physical and where you can go in The Woodlands, TX, for this important service.
Why is a Well-Child Visit Important?
Regular kids’ physicals play a crucial role in maintaining and promoting the health and well-being of children. These appointments allow pediatricians to detect and address any health concerns early on, providing opportunities for timely intervention and preventive care.
Additionally, kids’ physicals provide an opportunity for parents to discuss any questions or concerns they may have about their child’s health, growth, or development with a qualified healthcare professional.
What Happens During a Children’s Physical?
During a kid’s physical, the pediatrician conducts various assessments to check on the child’s growth and overall health.
This includes the following:
- Review of the child’s and family’s medical histories
- Measuring the child’s weight, height, and body mass index (BMI)
- Conducting health screenings for conditions such as anemia
- Checking blood pressure, vision, and hearing
- Discuss your child’s sleep, exercise, and eating habits
- For adolescents, having conversations about puberty and personal hygiene
- Counseling on behavioral issues and learning problems, as necessary
What Happens During a Sports Physical?
If your child wants to participate in a sport, they will need to undergo a kid’s sports physical. This is specifically geared toward assessing your child’s fitness for athletic participation.
Some of the things the pediatrician may go over are:
- Evaluation of the joints, muscles, and flexibility
- Assessment of balance, coordination, and reflexes
- Identify any underlying conditions and risk factors for sports injuries
- Assess heart health, including listening to the heart for abnormalities and heart murmurs
- Check for healthy neurological function
- Identify any physical limitations or conditions that may impact safety and sports performance
- Evaluation of past injuries
- Discuss sports prevention strategies
Engaging in sports as a physical activity can be beneficial for your child. According to the CDC, children ages 3 through 17 should have daily physical activity.
What are the Benefits of a Regularly Scheduled Children’s Physical?
Here are some of the benefits of a regular physical exam:
Early Detection of Health Issues
Physicals enable pediatricians to identify potential health problems or developmental delays early on, allowing for prompt intervention and treatment.
Monitoring Growth and Development
Regular check-ups allow healthcare providers to track a child’s growth and development over time, ensuring they are meeting milestones appropriate for their age.
Immunizations
Children’s physicals often include vaccinations to protect children from preventable diseases, helping to build immunity and prevent the spread of illnesses.
Health Education
Pediatricians use physicals as an opportunity to provide parents with valuable information and guidance on topics such as nutrition, behavior management, and age-appropriate milestones.
For a Safe Participation in Sports
A sports physical ensures that child athletes are physically prepared and safe to engage in sports activities, which should be a top priority for every parent, coach, and team.
How Often Should a Child Have a Physical?
The frequency of physicals for children varies depending on a child’s age and individual health needs. In general, pediatricians recommend the following schedule:
● Infancy
Well-baby visits are typically scheduled at 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months of age.
● Early Childhood
After the first year, children should have annual check-ups until they reach school age.
● School Age
Once children enter school, annual physical exams are still recommended to monitor growth, development, and overall health.
● Teen Years
During the teenage years, annual check-ups continue to be important for monitoring physical and emotional health, as well as addressing issues related to puberty, sexuality, and mental health.
In addition to these regular check-ups, parents should schedule additional appointments if their child experiences any health concerns or changes in their condition between scheduled visits.
Kids’ Physicals in The Woodlands, TX
For families in The Woodlands, TX, finding convenient and reliable pediatric care and children’s physicals is made easy with our pediatric practice. At Northwoods Pediatric Center, P.A., we provide well-child exams and sports physicals.
Our team of experienced pediatricians is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to children of all ages. We can help ensure your child thrives and reaches their full potential.
Contact us today at (281) 296-7770 to schedule your child’s next physical exam and experience the difference a higher level of pediatric care makes. You can also use our request form to schedule your visit.
