It's Not Too Early For School Physicals

It’s summertime and most children are likely occupied by playing outside, swimming and staying up late. But school and sports will soon be back in session and it’s not too early for parents to start thinking about school physicals.

Physicals are required for many children before they start the school year and begin playing sports, some of which start in July.

“Schools need to know that the child is fit to be involved in any school activity,” said Dr. Abdulla Ghori, pediatrician at The MetroHealth System. “Doctors need to assess a child’s readiness for school.”

Among the medical issues checked during a school physical are:

• Vision
• Hearing
• Allergies
• Behavior
• Medical conditions that may limit participation
• Mental development

Dr. Ghori knows firsthand how important it is for children to get a physical each year before classes begin.

As a boy, he was smart but was ranked 46th in his class. Luckily, the problem was discovered quickly. At eight years old, he got a physical and the doctor diagnosed him with poor eyesight. The young Ghori got eyeglasses and catapulted to head of his class.

This might not be a typical response to a school physical but it nonetheless demonstrates the importance of each child undergoing a physical at the beginning of each school year, Dr. Ghori said.

“We need to be able to identify medical problems that could interfere with learning and school performance. There are many changes happening in a human body going through puberty that need to be examined and addressed,” he said.

MetroHealth has openings for school physicals Monday – Friday on its main campus and at the MetroHealth Lakewood Health Center, 14701 Detroit Avenue, Suite 400.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit metrohealth.org/schoolphysicals or call 216-778-2222.