School Physicals

A school physical is a simple way to assess your child’s health and fitness before the new school year begins. As a board-certified pediatrician, Min Jung, MD, performs comprehensive school physicals for children and teenagers at Sunny Hill Pediatrics in Frisco, Texas. Call the pediatric clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What are school physicals?

School physicals are comprehensive medical exams performed before a new school year. Many school districts in the Frisco area require new students to undergo physicals to meet enrollment requirements.

These exams help ensure that students are healthy and meet the necessary health standards for attending school. They also help discover risk factors and signs of illness early when they’re still treatable.

Are sports and school physicals the same?

While sports and school physicals serve similar purposes, a few key differences set them apart.

Sports physicals, or pre-participation exams, aim to identify underlying medical conditions or injuries that can interfere with your child’s ability to participate in their chosen activity. These exams ensure your child is safe and healthy enough to engage in sports, minimizing the risk of worsening existing conditions or injuries.

School physicals, or back-to-back school exams, evaluate your child’s growth and development to ensure they’re meeting the necessary health standards for school attendance.

School physicals tend to be more involved than sports assessments, as they evaluate various aspects of your child’s health beyond fitness. 

What questions should I ask during my child’s school physicals?

Preparing a list of questions before your child’s school physical ensures you gather the information you need to make informed decisions about their health and school activities. While every child has different needs and developmental goals, common questions to ask include:

• Is my child due for any immunizations?
• Does my child need an annual physical also?
• Is my child at a healthy weight and height for their age?
• Does my child need a vision and hearing screening?
• What is the best diet to feed my child?
• Is my child on track to meet their developmental milestones?

You may also ask questions regarding your child’s mental health and cognitive, learning, and social-emotional abilities.

What happens during school physicals?

When you arrive at Sunny Hill Pediatrics, Dr. Jung’s staff records their height, weight, and vital signs. They also review your child’s medical history and ask questions about their diet and lifestyle. 

The physical exam includes a head-to-toe assessment. Dr. Jung looks inside your child’s mouth, ears, nose, and throat before listening to their lungs and heart. He also presses their abdomen to ensure the proper organ size and placement. Finally, he might test your child’s reflexes, muscle strength, balance, and mobility if necessary.

If your child is due for a back-to-school physical exam, call Sunny Hill Pediatrics today or schedule an appointment online.