A physical exam is a common requirement when your child is getting ready for school, camp, or sports. It is the first step in ensuring a healthy start for any activity. Considering that 62% of all organized sports injuries occur during practice, especially for soccer, football, and basketball, it is important that children get their physical exam before the start of every academic year. In fact, sports physicals are mandatory in schools, and help to raise awareness of potential problems that may disturb your child’s ability to participate in extracurricular activities.

Adults also need annual physical exams. Although many illnesses often present obvious signs and symptoms that prompt you to visit a primary care provider for diagnosis and treatment, some do not show any signs until it’s too late. The only way to detect these conditions at their early stages, before the symptoms appear, is through physical evaluation and diagnostic testing. Dr. David Zarian recommends annual physical exams to facilitate the early detection of any health issues, reduce your risk of serious illness, and optimize your health for as long as possible.

What to expect at your physical appointment

During your physical examination, we will:

• Take or update your personal information - phone number, address, insurance, etc.
• Review your medical history - family medical history; past diagnoses, medications, and surgeries; and any current symptoms
• Physically examine your eyes, nose, ears, mouth, skin, chest, abdomen, genitals, and extremities
• Perform preventive, diagnostic tests as required - may include blood work, bone density scan, a mammogram, colonoscopy, Pap smear, and other tests
• Provide patient education and counseling based on your risk factors or a proposed treatment plan

If your child is an athlete, Dr. Zarian will check the joints, vitals, and flexibility, as well as the student’s vision. A short fitness assessment may also be necessary to detect any limitations on physical activity. The physical exam may also include:

• Eye exam - to check for proper vision and establish the need for prescription lenses or an adjustment to the current prescription
• Fitness assessment - to examine the ear, nose, throat, abdomen, respiratory, and cardiovascular system for any problems
• Joints and flexibility check - to test the student’s flexibility, joints, posture, and strength, while identifying any areas that are prone to injury. The results can also be used to recommend exercises and activities to build a healthier and stronger body.

Afterwards, Dr. Zarian may complete the necessary forms for sports or school participation For more information on physicals, please contact our office or book an appointment.