For most kids, summer time means swimming, summer camp and biking. It also means it’s time for an annual physical before the start of the new school year. MetroSouth Health Centers are making school physicals fun by offering kids an insulated backpack if they book a school physical before December 31, 2011.
“A school physical is required three times during a student’s career, but I like to see them every year,” explains Dr. Marie Brister-Brown, family medicine physician, MetroSouth Health Center at Morgan Park. “As children grow, they change and the physical exam is a great time to discuss behavioral or health issues that are concerning either the student or parent.”
The following MetroSouth Health Centers are available for school physicals:
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Alsip— 12246 S. Pulaski, Alsip, 708.385.5601
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Beverly—11238 S. Western, Chicago, 773.238.1111
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Blue Island—Doctors Pavilion, 2310 York St., Blue Island,
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Suite 5A 708.489.7800
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Suite 4D 708.489.7760
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Morgan Park—1701 W. Monterey, Chicago, 773.298.9800
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South Holland—401 E. 162nd, South Holland, 708.210.2001
The state of Illinois requires that all children entering kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades have a complete physical exam, including proof of all required immunizations. Most schools also require physicals for students who participate in sports.
Dr. Brister-Brown and the other MetroSouth primary care physicians include the following in a school physical exam:
- Medical history
- Height and weight
- Temperature
- Pulse, blood pressure
- Vision and hearing
- Heart and lung check
- Check of throat, teeth, gums and tonsils
- Lymph node and thyroid gland check
- Manual spleen, liver and kidney exam
- Check of flexibility and strength in joints of arms and legs
- Spine check for curves (scoliosis)
- Skin examination for abnormal moles and/or bumps
- Full review of all immunizations
- Breast exam/girls
- Pelvic exam, hernia check/boys
During the exam, MetroSouth primary care physicians will also offer lifestyle suggestions, like diet and exercise recommendations, protection from sun exposure and disease prevention. He or she may also offer advice based on the age of the child, such as how to deal with bullies, the risk of eating disorders or maturing bodies. Emotional issues may also be addressed. With teenagers, alcohol and drug use will also be addressed. If a patient plays sports, the physician will go over prevention of sports injuries.
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Watch an ABC News brief of Dr. Brister-Brown talking about the importance of back-to-school physicals:
