The last weeks of summer move quickly in Southern Utah. One minute, you are swimming at Sand Hollow State Park; the next, supply lists are landing in your inbox, and backpacks are stacked by the door. Before that first bell rings in August, July and early August are the ideal time to take care of the health basics that set kids up for a strong school year.
A back-to-school physical is more than a piece of paper. It is an opportunity to check in on growth, vision, hearing, sleep, mood, and any new concerns that may have come up over the summer. Done well, it can catch small issues before they become bigger ones and give parents real confidence heading into the year.
School Physicals: More Than a Form
An annual school physical is a smart idea for children of every age. Children change significantly from one year to the next, and a yearly visit gives a provider the opportunity to track growth, screen vision and hearing, review immunizations, and evaluate the overall picture of a child’s health. Annual physicals are also a chance to ask about anything you may have been wondering about, including appetite, growth spurts, screen time, sleep patterns, or mood changes.
Sports Physicals: Cleared to Play
Student athletes in Utah are required to complete a preparticipation physical before joining a school sports team. The exam reviews heart and lung health, joint and muscle history, prior injuries, and any conditions that could affect safe play. For many families, the sports physical doubles as the annual checkup. It is also a chance to discuss proper hydration, conditioning in the desert heat, and recognizing signs of concussion or overuse injuries.
More Than the Physical
Back-to-school readiness goes beyond a single exam. Here is a short checklist for the weeks ahead:
• Update immunizations.
• Schedule a dental cleaning. Dental issues are a leading cause of school absences.
• Get a vision check. Blurry vision can affect a child’s ability to learn.
• Reset sleep schedules. Move bedtimes earlier by fifteen minutes every few days during the two weeks before school starts.
• Check in on emotional readiness. Some children are excited and some are anxious. Both reactions are normal.
A Strong Start to the Year
A little preparation now goes a long way once the bell rings. Take care of the physicals, the paperwork, and the small things that tend to get left until the last minute. Then enjoy the final days of summer with your family, knowing your children are ready, healthy, and set up for a strong year ahead.
We Are Here to Help
Family Healthcare provides school and sports physicals, immunizations, dental care, optometry, pharmacy services, and behavioral health support for the whole family. New patients are typically seen within two weeks, and we accept most insurance plans and offer a sliding fee scale. With clinics in Cedar City, St. George, Hurricane, and Springdale, getting your child ready for the school year does not have to mean a long drive or a long wait.
Call 435-986-2565 or visit familyhc.org to schedule a back-to-school visit.
Mind & Body
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lori serves on a variety of committees across the state and throughout Washington and Iron Counties. She is a member of the St. George Area Chamber Board of Governors and Association of Community Health Centers Board. She also serves on the AUCH Health Center Control Network and is a member of Intermountain Health’s Proactive Care’s Clinically Integrated Committee. Lori has completed a BS in Community/Public Health and holds a Master of Public Administration from Brigham Young University, Marriott School of Management.