3 reasons to schedule your child’s back-to-school and sports physical this month

Get ahead of scheduling back-to-school and sports physicals now for a smoother start to the school year! 

By Vandana K. Bacon, DO, Pediatrics, Nuvance Health Medical Practice, part of Northwell Health 

Summer is a time for fun — but it’s also a good time to start checking off your back-to-school list. One of the most important things you can do is schedule your child’s yearly physical. 

A back-to-school checkup helps make sure your child is healthy, growing well and ready to learn. Here’s why now is a great time to go. 

1. Skip the last-minute rush of scheduling yearly physicals for your kids 

Doctors’ offices begin filling up quickly as we approach the new school year. Many parents wait until the end of summer to make appointments and that means: 

• Longer wait times
• Fewer time slots to choose from
• A bigger chance of not getting in before school starts 

When you schedule in July, you can: 

• Pick from more appointment times, including early mornings or after work
• Save yourself the stress of scrambling at the last minute
• Give your child time to relax before school starts again 

Need back-to-school wellness exams? Find a primary care provider near me. 

2. Make sure your child is ready for school and sports with their yearly physical 

Most schools require a health check before students return to class or participate in sports. During your child’s visit, their pediatrician can address: 

• School health forms
• Sports clearance forms
• Required vaccines
• Prescription refills for conditions like asthma or allergies 

Their pediatrician will also check: 

• Height and weight
• Vision and hearing
• Heart, lungs and overall health
• Mental and emotional well-being 

If anything needs a follow-up, like a vaccine, test or specialist visit, doing the checkup in July gives you more time before school starts. 

Related content: Creating healthy habits for a successful school year 

3. Help your child start the school year strong with an annual exam from a trusted pediatrician 

A physical isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s a chance to help your child feel good, stay healthy and be ready to do their best in school. 

During their physical, you and your child can talk with the pediatrician about things like: 

• Sleep routines
• Eating healthy foods
• Staying active
• Screen time
• Stress or worries about school
• Body changes and puberty (especially for tweens and teens)
• Feeling down, anxious or overwhelmed 

Mental health and physical health are both very important. A summer checkup provides an opportunity to discuss your child’s emotional well-being. 

Related content: Online safety tips for kids heading back to school 

The bottom line: A back-to-school checkup helps your child feel ready, confident and cared for. And by booking their visit in July, you’ll avoid the late-summer rush, get a jump on any health needs and help your child start the school year off right!