Back-To-School Checkups are the Cornerstone of a Healthy School Year
8/2/2021
BILOXI, MS – With homeschooling and hybrid learning disrupting classroom learning for the past 18 months, it’s easy to forget what preparing for a “normal” school year might look like. In addition to buying new clothes and stocking your child’s backpack with the right supplies, an annual physical and the proper immunizations will start your child’s new school year on a healthy foundation.
“Annual checkups are an important aspect of your child’s overall care. These appointments allow a physician to get to know the medical history of your child and monitor their development from year to year,” says Jennie Stanford, M.D. with Merit Health Medical Group. “Establishing baseline information and history makes it easier to identify potential concerns over time.”
Children should receive an annual checkup with their physician even if they are healthy. At a checkup, your child will receive a full physical exam, including measurements such as height and weight. This is a good time for parents to discuss any developmental, emotional or social concerns with the physician. Most insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover a free annual well-child visit.
Immunizations are another important way to protect your child’s health. While COVID vaccinations are not yet available for children under the age of 12, there are numerous other vaccines parents should discuss with their child’s physician, especially for children beginning school for the first time.
Receiving the right shots at the right time will help protect your child from contracting various diseases and help prevent the spread to others. Talk with your physician to learn on what vaccinations your child should receive and at what age.
“It is essential for children to receive the appropriate immunizations at the appropriate time, especially before beginning school,” says Stanford. “These shots will protect your child as they return to a school environment.”
If you child or teenager is involved in sports or other physical activities, their coaches may require a sports physical before they begin to play. A sports exam is similar to an annual physical exam, with addition of the physician’s review of sports-related matters such as nutrition and injuries. A primary care physician such as a family practice or pediatrician will be able to conduct a sports physical for your child.
Jennie Stanford, M.D. practices family medicine at 110 Millsaps Drive, on the campus of Merit Health Wesley. She is now accepting new patients. To request an appointment with Dr. Stanford, call (601) 296-2712. If you need help finding a primary care physician, visit WesleyPrimaryCare.com to be connected with one of Merit Health Medical Group’s family medicine or pediatric physicians. They are now accepting new patients, with same and next-day appointments often available.
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