The doctors at Raleigh Children & Adolescents Medicine have you covered when it comes to sports and school physicals in Raleigh, NC.

Routine Physical

The extent of the physical exam will vary based on the age of the child and from one doctor to the next, but they will be based on the guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

It will start by recording your child’s weight and height, taking readings of your child’s blood pressure (3 years and up), checking the heart, lungs, ears, throat, and other areas of the body. The pediatrician will also screen for scoliosis, check gross and fine motor skills development, and more.

Medical History

It is important to discuss your family medical history with a pediatrician during the sports and school physicals appointment in Raleigh, NC, as it helps identify chronic illness and disease patterns that run in the family. In addition, current medical conditions, allergies, and illnesses will be discussed. This includes anything like asthma, diabetes, food allergies, bee stings, etc. Visits to specialists in the past year will be covered as well as any visits to Urgent Cares or Emergency Departments. 

Don’t forget to be ready to discuss any current medications that are being taken, even if it is just over-the-counter supplements (It may be helpful to bring in medicine in their pharmacy bottles to be completely clear about medications).

Immunizations

If your child attends public school, immunizations must be up-to-date. Therefore, these will be addressed if your child is not current. A large portion of vaccinations are given to children before they turn two years of age, but there are booster shots that are given to school-aged children at annual well-visit checkups. If your child is due for an immunization, keep in mind that some shots may cause slight discomfort or fever, so make sure you have some Tylenol or Motrin on standby.

This is the basics of sports and school physicals in Raleigh, NC, although behavioral development, lifestyle habits, diet, and more may also be discussed and addressed. The specifics covered may depend on a variety of factors, including gender and age. Call Raleigh Children & Adolescents Medicine at 919-781-7490 to schedule your child’s physical today.