Physical Exam

What Is A Physical Exam?

A pediatric physical is an overall assessment of your child’s health and general state of wellness. It’s an integral part of nurturing a healthy lifestyle and identifying signs of disease and developmental conditions early. Physicals are beneficial both when your child is well or feeling ill. Your child’s physical exams begin immediately after birth when Dr. Larson visits your newborn in the hospital. He initiates excellent newborn care within a day of delivery and continues well child exams in his office throughout childhood.

The Purpose Of Your Child’s Physical Exam Is To:

Address any concerning symptoms
Track development and growth
Administer immunizations
Encourage healthy habits
Identify any risk factors of disease
Prevent potential disease and injury
Detect and treat disease early
Identify the need for referrals to other specialists

When Does My Child Need A Physical Exam?

A physical exam is beneficial anytime you have concerns about your son or daughter’s health. If they’re sick or have symptoms that cause you to worry, a physical exam is an excellent way to set your mind at ease or get treatment started.

A physical exam may be in order if you note:

Symptoms of illness
Signs of anxiety or depression
Evidence of behavioral or developmental conditions
Lack of growth or weight gain

Ideally, your child receives a physical exam as part of their yearly well child visit. Annual physicals give Dr. Larson a regular opportunity to assess your child’s health when they aren’t ill or having any serious issues.

Finally, when your child begins school or plays a sport, they may need a specialized sports physical or school physical to ensure they’re healthy and ready to learn or play.

What Happens During A Physical Exam?

During your child’s physical exam, Dr. Larson and the team at Heber Valley Pediatrics collect information about their general state of health, including their:

Height and weight
Vital signs
Medical history
Medication history
Coordination
Hearing and vision
Communication and cognition
Nutrition

Dr. Larson asks you questions regarding their behavior, development, and mental health. He also evaluates their lungs, ear, nose, throat, skin, heart, and major organs. Dr. Larson also administers any vaccinations that are needed to keep your child up to date and makes recommendations for treatment or further testing.