As the new school year begins, students entering public school for the first time as kindergarteners as well as those beginning middle school will be required by state law to have up-to-date vaccinations. But what about a physical examination as well to ensure that they
are healthy?
While Virginia mandates immunizations, it doesn’t require that students receive a checkup from a doctor each year before the start of a new school year, unless a student participates in sports. However, many local doctors throughout the Hampton Roads region feel an annual checkup for children is essential.
“It is important to have physicals prior to school entrance because school children and parents need to be counseled on promoting health, detecting disease, and preventing disease and future health problems,” says Dr. Eddie Smith, a family practitioner with Bon Secours Health System. “It is important to me because it gives me an opportunity to screen and discuss lifestyle habits such as diet, physical activity, sleep habits, dental care, and safety habits.”
During a routine exam, doctors check to ensure children are growing properly and that there are no signs of obesity. A patient’s hearing and vision are screened for any potential problems, and doctors also address any other health concerns.
“These exams can help identify issues that may not be obvious to parents, issues that may affect their school and sports performances,” says Dr. Michelle Linkous with Pediatric Associates of Williamsburg.
Depending on the child’s age, physicians scope for developmental issues including social and emotional ones; concerns related to diet and activity; blood pressure; anemia; exposure to smoke or lead; and any chronic conditions such as asthma.
“If a child is not growing well, not receiving adequate nutrition or sleep, not taking medications appropriately, or has
an undiagnosed medical issue, their performance at school will certainly be affected,” comments Dr. Linkous. Some children go for years without seeing a doctor, which poses risks.
“The physical, behavioral, and developmental health of children affect their ability to learn,” says Dr. Stacey Hinderliter with Riverside Brentwood Medical Center-Pediatrics in Newport News, . “To succeed in school, all these areas need to be optimized. A thorough wellness visit with a provider who has training in the care of children can assist parents in making sure that their child is ready for school throughout their education.”
More children have hearing problems in part because of the overuse of ear phones with music at high volumes. Poor vision is also a concern for physicians, for without healthy hearing or eyesight a student won’t succeed in school.
Kindergarteners are the only students required to have a physical exam before school entrance, though The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a child be seen yearly from ages three to five, and every other year thereafter through the age of 18. It is a good idea for students to be seen prior to entrance to college as well.
While there remains controversy over vaccinations, public schools still require them with very few exceptions, and doctors encourage them.
“It is beneficial to all kids because immunizations ensure that kids have less chances of getting many childhood illnesses that were common decades ago,” shares Dr. Smith. “Some of these illnesses are flaring up because kids are not getting immunized.”
Beyond inoculations, doctors encourage parents to screen for other conditions as often as possible.
“I want each child to enjoy going to school and perform at their best level,” says Dr. Hinderliter. “I want them to find something at school that they can master and become their passion in life. They need to feel good physically and mentally in order to do this.”