Being proactive is key when it comes to keeping the public healthy. Requiring health checks helps to ensure public health concerns are addressed before they ever even arise. And when it comes to your own kids’ health, regular checkups can help you better understand your children’s health status. Routine checkups can also help spot issues early and keep us on track for a healthy lifestyle.

Many states require schoolchildren to have physicals at certain points during their school careers. These requirements aim to keep our schools and individual kids healthy and happy.

Some schools spam your inbox to remind you about a missing physical, but others leave it up to you to remember when and how frequently your child should get a physical. Keep reading to find out more about what a physical might entail and how often you should take your kids into the office for one.

Why States Require Physicals

As mentioned, states primarily require physicals to best maintain public health. They’ll also help you, as a parent, monitor your developing child’s health. Here are some key reasons physicals are a great way to maintain positive public health:

1. Preventive Care:

Rather than perceiving a doctor’s visit as merely an expense, preventative care empowers patients to identify potential health concerns at an early stage, preventing the escalation of mild symptoms into full-blown issues. Early detection and correction can save you lots of money (plus time and energy) in the long run!

2. Safety Measures:

No one wants to get a letter from their child’s school informing them of a measles outbreak. Many schools require physicals with immunizations to prevent contagious and dangerous disease outbreaks. Children are especially vulnerable to disease, and the state wants to make sure classrooms are safe for kids to come to school.

3. Student Health:

Schools often mandate physical exams to ensure students are in good health and able to participate fully in school (PE, anyone?) and extracurricular activities.

Now that you know a little bit more about why your state might require physical exams, let’s zoom in on California’s policy.

California Physical Exam Requirements

In the Golden State, ensuring the well-being of students is a top priority. California law mandates that students get a physical examination before kindergarten or (if not yet enrolled in school) first-time first-grade entry. You can find more about the California requirements here, but we’ve summarized the basics for you. These exams will help you and your child with the following:

• Early Intervention: Pre-kindergarten or first-grade physicals help identify potential health concerns for you and your family at an early age, allowing for early intervention.
• Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: Physical examinations offer an opportunity to educate students and their families about the importance of leading healthy lifestyles, including proper nutrition, exercise, and preventive care. This will likely accompany the health education your child will receive in school.
• Immunizations: At your child’s physical, he or she will receive the shots that are required for school enrollment. Don’t worry—we have stickers and suckers on hand too.
• Documentation: Don’t forget to bring along your physical exam form, typically provided by your school. Your doctor should sign off on it before you return it to school to ensure you have fulfilled your school’s requirements.
• Your child will also receive hearing, vision, and other screenings to make sure your child is in excellent health.

One more thing to note: if you and your family have financial difficulty securing a physical exam and reaching a certain income threshold, your school should connect you with CHDP for services at no cost.

Why Choose WOW Healing Care for Your Physical Examination?

Now that you know all about the California physical requirements, it’s time to get your kid’s physical schedule. Looking for a friendly primary care doctor who is great with kids and will spend as much time as you need in each appointment? You’ve found the place.

At WOW Healing Care, Dr. Edwards understands the importance of regular physical examinations in maintaining your kiddo’s health and well-being. We offer comprehensive physicals tailored to your child’s and your individual needs.

Our WOW Guarantees for Your Child’s Physical Exam

1. Personalized Approach

Our team takes the time to understand your unique health concerns and goals, providing personalized care every step of the way. Our pediatrics approach combines your physical with our integrative medicine approach.

2. Convenience

We don’t feel that you should ever have to wait weeks to see your doctor—and our direct primary care setup allows you to get in for same- or next-day appointments at our Oceanside office. Another perk: with our unlimited telehealth access, you can access everything you love about WOW from home or on the go. Simply call, text, or email us anytime you have a question.

3. Comprehensive Services

Come in for your physical and have other health concerns. We offer a wide range of services as a primary care organization. We also can address mental health concerns, chronic disease management, and specialist referrals.

Schedule Your Child’s Physical Examination Today!

Scratch one thing off your to-do list! Get that physically taken care of. Call us at 760-425-4466 to schedule your child’s physical. If you aren’t a member yet but still want to be seen at WOW, no worries! We can get you in for a single visit.

We look forward to seeing you.