How to Prepare for a School Physical Exam

• Immunization Records: Please bring a complete and up-to-date record of your child’s vaccinations. These are vital for meeting school health requirements and ensuring your child is protected against preventable diseases.

• Medical History: A detailed account of your child’s medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, or any chronic conditions, is crucial. This helps our pediatric team provide personalized care tailored to your child’s unique health profile.

• Medications: Compile a list of any medications your child is currently taking, along with dosages and frequency. This information assists our healthcare providers in understanding your child’s ongoing health needs and making informed recommendations.

• Allergy Documentation: If your child has known allergies, please bring documentation detailing the allergens and the severity of reactions. This information is critical for both our team and your child’s school to ensure proper precautions are in place.

• Previous Physical Examination Reports: If available, bring any reports from past physicals. These provide a valuable baseline for us to assess your child’s growth and development over time.

• Specialist Reports: If your child has seen specialists for specific health concerns, bring along any relevant reports or notes from those visits. This helps us form a complete picture of your child’s health.

• School-Specific Forms: Schools often require specific forms for sports participation, special accommodations, or health care plans. Be sure to bring these so we can complete them during your visit.

• Insurance Information: Having your insurance card on hand can help address any questions about coverage or billing, ensuring a smooth process at our practice.

By organizing these documents ahead of your visit, we can provide a comprehensive and efficient school physical for your child. At All Better Pediatrics, we’re committed to supporting your child’s health and well-being every step of the way. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

Discuss any current symptoms or health concerns your child might be experiencing, including when they started, how long they’ve lasted, and any factors that seem to improve or worsen them. This information helps our pediatric specialists identify and address potential health issues early on.

Include a complete list of your child’s past medical conditions and illnesses, both acute and chronic. This context is invaluable for understanding their current health status. Additionally, mention any hospitalizations, surgeries, or medical procedures they have undergone, along with dates and outcomes, to give us a comprehensive view of their medical history.

It’s important to list all medications your child is currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Include dosages and frequencies, as well as any allergies or adverse reactions they’ve had to medications in the past. This helps us avoid potential drug interactions and tailor treatments effectively.

Family medical history is another critical component, as it can offer insights into potential genetic conditions. Please provide information about any significant health issues experienced by immediate family members, such as parents, siblings, and grandparents. This might include chronic diseases, hereditary conditions, or any notable patterns of illness that could impact your child’s health.

Lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity, and sleep patterns, should also be discussed, as they significantly influence your child’s growth and development. Be open about these habits, as they can guide treatment plans and preventive measures.

Lastly, if applicable, include information about your child’s reproductive and sexual health, such as menstrual history or any concerns about sexually transmitted infections. This information can be crucial for certain diagnoses and treatment options as they grow older.

The appointment begins with a detailed review of your child’s medical history and any current health concerns you or your child might have. We then proceed to measure vital signs such as height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. Our providers will perform careful examinations of the heart, lungs, abdomen, eyes, ears, nose, throat, and musculoskeletal system to ensure everything is functioning as it should.

At All Better Pediatrics, we aim to make this process as smooth and convenient as possible. If your child needs any additional tests, vaccinations, or follow-up appointments, we can accommodate these needs, ensuring your child’s health is comprehensively addressed. While the exam is structured to fit within a half-hour, our team is dedicated to providing personalized care, making sure to address any specific concerns you may have.

• Understanding the Evaluation Requirements: At All Better Pediatrics, we are committed to providing comprehensive guidance on what to expect during a sports evaluation. Our team can help you understand the specific skills and physical abilities that will be assessed, allowing you to tailor your child’s preparation effectively.

• Corporating Physical Activity: We encourage integrating regular physical activity into your child’s routine well before the evaluation. Our pediatric experts can offer personalized exercise recommendations that focus on improving cardiovascular endurance, strength, agility, and flexibility. We also support participation in organized sports or group activities, which not only boost physical fitness but also enhance teamwork skills — a valuable component of many sports evaluations.

• Nutrition and Hydration Guidance: Our team can provide advice on maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients. Proper nutrition and hydration are key to your child’s performance, and we can help establish healthy eating habits that support their physical activities.

• Mental Preparation: Addressing any anxieties or concerns is vital for your child’s mental readiness. We offer resources and strategies to help your child approach the evaluation with a positive mindset. Techniques such as deep breathing and visualization can be part of our holistic approach to reducing stress and enhancing focus.

• Ensuring Adequate Rest: We emphasize the importance of sleep in achieving peak physical and mental performance. Our team can assist in developing consistent bedtime routines to ensure your child is well-rested before their evaluation.

• Day-of Preparation: On the day of the evaluation, we recommend a nutritious breakfast and arriving early to reduce anxiety and allow for a proper warm-up. Our team is here to provide last-minute tips and encouragement to ensure everything goes smoothly.

At All Better Pediatrics, we are dedicated to supporting your child’s health and well-being. By providing personalized advice and resources, we help set the stage for a successful sports evaluation, fostering confidence and a lifelong love of physical activity. For more information, Contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1102 Brookfield Road, Suite 200, Memphis, TN 38119. We serve patients from Memphis TN, Germantown TN, Bartlett TN, Cordova TN, Collierville TN, Oakville TN, Lenow TN, and surrounding areas.