Scheduling your back-to-school checkup in a timely manner ensures that your child will be ready to kick off the new school year with confidence and good health. Give your child a healthy start for a successful school year by scheduling their child visit today.
No Two Children the Same
Every child is unique and develops at their own pace. Some children may grow more
quickly, have different nutritional needs or require more sleep than their peers.
Each child's journey is different. An annual well-child exam gives your pediatrician
the opportunity to ensure your child is receiving the care they need to thrive. It
is also the perfect time for parents to ask questions, discuss concerns and receive
guidance tailored to their child's individual needs.
“A yearly well-child visit is about much more than checking height and weight. It's an opportunity to partner with families, monitor a child's physical, emotional and developmental health, and address concerns before they become bigger problems," said Dr. Lakshmi Atkuri, Family Medicine provider at USF Health.
What to Expect During an Annual Well-Child Physical
Your pediatrician will:
- Measure height and weight to monitor healthy growth and development
- Perform hearing and vision screenings to identify any concerns that could affect learning and daily activities
- Assess behavioral and emotional health by discussing your child's social, emotional and developmental well-being
- Discuss immunization status and administer or schedule any recommended vaccines to help keep your child protected
- Review current medications and discuss any prescription renewals or adjustments. As children grow from toddlers to teenagers, their healthcare needs — and sometimes their medications — may change.
“Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to keep children healthy,” Dr. Atkuri said. “Annual physicals allow us to identify concerns early, keep immunizations current and help families establish healthy habits that support success both in school and in life."
Every Age Brings New Milestones
From infancy through adolescence, every stage of childhood comes with important physical,
emotional and developmental milestones.
The visit is also an ideal time to discuss any questions or changes you may have noticed, including:
- Behavioral concerns at home or school
- Developmental milestones and delays
- Nutrition and healthy eating habits
- Emotional and mental well-being
- Physical activity and exercise
- Learning or academic difficulties
- Injury prevention and safety, including the use of bike helmets, seat belts and other protective equipment
- Teen safety topics, such as driving, passenger safety, peer relationships, vaping, alcohol, tobacco and other substance use
- Healthy sleep habits and age-appropriate sleep recommendations
Your pediatric provider can offer guidance, answer questions and connect your family with additional resources when needed, helping your child stay healthy, safe and ready to succeed throughout the school year.
College-Bound Students Need Checkups, Too
Before your teen heads to college, schedule an annual well visit to help prepare them
for this exciting transition. It may be one of their last visits with a pediatrician
before moving to a family medicine physician or internist.
A pre-college physical is a great opportunity to discuss healthy habits, including nutrition, sleep, mental health, sexual health, alcohol and substance use and other self-care topics. It is also a good time to encourage your teen to take an active role in managing their own healthcare.
Many colleges and universities require proof of immunization, especially for students living on campus. Before move-in day, check with your teen’s college about required immunizations and schedule any necessary vaccines to help ensure they are healthy, protected and prepared for the semester ahead.
“It’s a bittersweet visit for us; we have been a part of the person’s life, usually for many years helping with nutrition, school guidance, safety and the achievement of healthy relationships,” said Dr. Atkuri. “It’s a visit where we encourage them to go after their dreams but also discuss the many safety issues that come along with such a big transition.”
Student-Athletes
If your child plans to participate in school sports, a physical is often required
before the season begins. This exam helps identify any health concerns that could
affect your child's safety or ability to participate.
Athletes entering high school in Florida now require heart screening. To learn more about available screenings, visit Who We Play For to view upcoming dates and locations.
USF Health: Making Life Better