A good primary care doctor will help you and your child understand and navigate the complicated path to adulthood, including uncomfortable topics like puberty, peer pressure and risky behavior.

 

Here are a few topics Houston Methodist Primary Care doctor Falanda Limar-Troutman, MD, typically covers during a back-to-school physical:

BALANCE IS KEY
study time
screen time
physical activity
Doctors may ask kids about their after-school activities to ensure they are balancing homework with screen time and exercise. They may also look for signs of bullying, learning difficulties or other classroom problems. Mental and social development are as important to monitor as physical development.
STAYING SAFE
backpacks 
During exams, doctors may discuss safety-related topics, including:
  • Backpack weight and position
  • Wearing bike helmets and seat belts
  • The danger of drug and alcohol use
  • Online and sexual relationships
Young patients often view their doctor as a neutral party who they feel safe opening up to.
PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE
Most doctors encourage parents to immunize their kids against preventable diseases, including meningitis, tetanus and pertussis and the flu. Many doctors also advocate for vaccination against human papillomavirus, or HPV, a sexually transmitted infection that can increase cancer risk.
16 diseases
PRIORITIZE HEALTHY HABITS
calories 
Doctors want to ensure their young patients get the sleep and nutrition they need to stay on the right growth track. Doctors encourage children to eat more fruits and vegetables and limit the “empty” calories from solid fats and added sugars.
GROWING UP BEFORE YOUR EYES
An annual physical is an opportunity to see how much your child has grown in both height and weight since the last visit. Among other things, the doctor may:
  • Conduct vision and hearing tests
  • Check the curvature of the spine for scoliosis
  • Discuss developmental issues
  • Address weight concerns
scoliosis 
READY, SET…SPORTS!
sports 
The two exams are similar, but focus on different aspects of your child’s health. This gives you a complete picture of your child’s well-being and development, as well as identifies prevention opportunities. Bonus: You’ll have your school’s athletic requirements on-hand when you need them.
Sources: 1 Backpack Impact: Statistics & Injury Prevention; 2 CDC — Vaccines for Your Children; 3 NIH — Where Kids Get Their Empty Calories; 4 MedicineNet — What Causes Scoliosis