As adults, we understand that regular physical examinations are key to maintaining our health and wellness. But adults aren’t the only demographic in need of yearly exams.
Children and young adults also benefit from annual checkups, especially before returning to school. If your student participates in afterschool activities or athletics, bringing them in for a back-to-school physical can simultaneously clear them for both academic studies and elective pursuits.
Since many public schools require proof of immunization, annual physicals are also a prime time to check for any possible shots or boosters your child may need.
It’s easy to see our children as the very picture of health, but undiagnosed issues with eyesight, hearing, weight, or physical exertion can cause hardships throughout the school year and make returning to school more difficult than it has to be.
The picture of health
Plenty of things can change in a year. At your child’s physical examination, you can expect your physician to check for eyesight, hearing, blood pressure, BMI, and the status of any needed immunizations.
Physicians may also examine your child’s heart, lungs, and lymph nodes. Orthopedic examinations may reveal any issues in your young athlete or musician, keeping them safe throughout their extracurricular activities of choice in the coming school year.
Most importantly, the updated information affects any necessary medications. By adding to your student’s medical history, you give them both the knowledge and the ability to seek medical assistance from the school nurse and beyond school into their adult years.
Difficult conversations
As children age and their bodies change, they may have some questions best left to a trusted family physician. Though we might think ourselves capable of answering anything, some conversations are difficult to have between parent and child.
By bringing your child in for an annual physical, you empower them to seek answers from a medical professional. Allowing your student to pose those awkward questions to a physician encourages them to take their health seriously and seek answers on their own. A trusting relationship is established between physician and patient, setting a precedent for years to come.
Finding a primary care location
UAB Medical West is here to serve the students in your community. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, find and contact your closest location from the list below.
Bessemer
UAB Medical West Baccus & Baccus Health Center
(205) 481-8664
UAB Medical West Bessemer Clinic
(205) 481-8670
UAB Medical West Bessemer Health Center
(205) 481-8650
UAB Medical West Live Well Family Medicine Health Center
(205) 481-8420
UAB Medical West Pendleton Health Center
(205) 481-7470
Hoover
UAB Medical West Hoover Health Center
(205) 820-8440
Hueytown
UAB Medical West Hueytown Health Center
(205) 491-3299
McCalla
UAB Medical West Tannehill Health Center
(205) 481-8640
UAB Medical West Parkwest Health Center
(205) 481-8530
Vance
UAB Medical West Vance Health Center
(205) 481-8510
Here for your back-to-school physical
Each summer season serves as a rite of passage for our young students. But part of growing up is learning self-care and maintaining continued interest in our own wellness. Schedule a physical today for the student in your life.
Visit UAB Medical West for a clean bill of health
UAB Medical West has been serving the students of your community to ensure continued academic and extracurricular success. For the student in your life, and as part of an education of seeking wellness, call 205-996-WEST to schedule a routine of care. Serving Hoover, Bessemer, McCalla, and Vance, UAB Medical West will be here for all students, young and old.