Physicals: Benefits and Precautions for Children

Physical exams–also called well-child visits and school and sports physicals–alert you and your healthcare provider to existing or potential health problems in your children through to young adulthood.

Let’s talk about the benefits of these periodic head-to-toe assessments and where you can go for pediatric physical exams in Fort Worth, TX.

Benefits of Pediatric Physical Examinations

Pediatric physical examinations tell you and your healthcare provider how well and functional your child is, how he or she is developing, and what potential health issues may exist. During this visit at your pediatrician’s office or urgent care center, the provider will:

• Measure your child’s height, weight, and body mass index (BMI)
• Screen for hearing and vision issues
• Check reflexes and musculoskeletal development
• Discuss pertinent medical history, including family history
• Take vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration
• Visually inspect ears, nose, and throat
• Check for signs and stages of puberty
• Administer needed vaccinations

With findings in hand, the doctor and parent can plan treatments as needed, discuss any referrals, and complete documentation for school, sports, and daycare. Additionally, physical examinations provide the perfect opportunity for providers to counsel parents and children on safety at home, school, on the road, in sports, and in other physical activities. Nutrition, sleep habits, exercise, learning, puberty, and more are important topics, too.

Precautions Resulting from Physical Examinations

The results of a physical exam can tell you if your child needs special considerations in the educational environment or must take precautions with physical activity and sports. Your physician helps determine if your child can participate in school or community teams or if he or she has been injured when return to play is appropriate. Many providers do a baseline EKG for young athletes to assess cardiac health.

Also, parents, be sure to see your child’s provider if:

• Her menstruation is painful, excessive, or otherwise abnormal
• Your child has persistent joint or muscle pain
• Signs of shortness of breath, wheezing, or persistent coughing are present
• He or she has a persistent loss of appetite or loses weight for no apparent reason
• Does not seem to progress in height, weight, strength, coordination, and level of activity as his or her peers do
• Seems withdrawn and self-isolating or expresses ideations of self-harm or loss of self-worth

Pediatric Care in Fort Worth, TX

If you are searching for the best pediatric center, look no further than EMC Express Care. Our walk-in clinic allows parents to get pediatric wellness examinations without appointments or long wait times. Also, we are open evenings and on weekends for your convenience. Dr. D. Luke Kehres is the family physician dedicated to excellent patient care for everyone who comes through our doors.

To learn more about our pediatric urgent care services, call us today at (817) 503-8800. You may come in for a visit any time seven days a week from 10 am to 8 pm.