School & Sports Physicals in Rochester and Pittsford, NY
Scheduling your child’s well visit (physical) is the best way to take a proactive approach to their health and is recommended annually. During a well visit, your pediatrician has the opportunity to monitor your child’s growth and development and provide important advice and information.
Yearly well visits ensure that your child is up to date with vaccinations and allow us monitor any health issues as they get older. Our practice provides physicals for an assortment of reasons, whether it’s the start of the new school year or prepping for an upcoming sports season.
School Physicals
During a school physical, we will have an opportunity to examine your child’s growth and progress over the past year. The younger years are more focused on developmental progress and vaccinations, while adolescent visits tend to be more focused on psychological and physical changes. This exam for teens gives them a chance to ask any questions relating to adolescent issues such as drinking, smoking, drugs, sexual activity, and depression.
Sports Physicals
Sports physicals are largely required by athletic leagues and schools. During this exam, the pediatrician will check your child’s vitals, joints, flexibility, and vision. This gives them an opportunity to note any issues that may cause injury during the season. Sports physicals should be scheduled at least 6 weeks prior to the start of the upcoming sports season, giving the child ample time to correct any issues before the season. While a sports physical and an annual school physical have a lot in common, the sports physical does not include evaluation of the overall health of your child. Therefore, a sports physical should not replace a school physical.
How Often Does My Child Need a Physical Exam?
- For Infants (less than 1 year old): We see all infants at 2-3 days, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months. Please refer to our Immunization Schedule for more information.
- For Toddlers (1-3 years old): Your toddler needs a physical at 18 months, 24 months, 30 months and 3 years old. Please refer to our Immunization Schedule for more information.
- For Preschool Age Children (4-5 years old): All children need to have a physical and their 4/5 year old vaccines before starting kindergarten.
- For School Age Children and Teenagers (6-17 years old): We recommend that your child have a physical yearly. Those who are playing sports are required to have a yearly physical in order to participate.
Schedule Your Child’s Physical Today
Whether it’s for school or sports, physical exams play a vital role in monitoring your child’s health, growth, and development. To schedule your child’s physical with one of our pediatricians, please call our office at (585) 244-9720.
