Spring is the perfect time to set appointments for school and sports physicals. Annual physicals are a crucial way to assess your child’s overall health, growth, development and chronic conditions, including their mental, social and emotional health. 

“These physicals are when we get to be proactive, get ahead of any issues, and ensure they’re on track,” says pediatrician Amissabah Kanley, MD. “We look at the last school year and help set them up for success for the next year. We monitor everything involved in their growth and development, including chronic conditions, medications, and vaccines, address any learning difficulties, discuss preventive care, and discuss any concerns.” 

In Nebraska, school physicals are required before kindergarten and seventh grade. An annual sports physical is also required if your teen intends to play sports. Sports physicals cover the same things as school physicals but go a step further. 

“The sports physical focuses on family history of any condition that may put them at higher risk of illness or injuries while participating in sports,” adds Dr. Kanley. “Depending on the sport, we will have different safety precautions and discussions with the family to ensure the child is physically and mentally prepared and any chronic conditions are well-controlled.”

School physicals should be completed on or after March 1, and sports physicals should be completed after May 1. If possible, schedule these visits on non-school days or after school to avoid absences.