Back to home Aug 2012
Pediatrics
All Students Benefit from Physical Exams
Along with backpacks, pencils and books, school
physicals are an important part of the back-to-school
routine. A physical exam allows parents to keep up with
any issues their child may have, and students get to ask
any medical questions they may have as they grow.
"Some people think physicals are only for athletes, but because our brains are important 'muscles' too, everyone, not just athletes, needs an annual check-up," says pediatrician, Nancy Witham, M.D.
Dr. Witham says the routine exams are a way for families to become partners in their child's health. "Sometimes the annual check-up really is finding out about one little thing that, if left unaddressed, could develop into a bigger issue," she says.
School exams include checking ears, throat, heart and lungs, but Dr. Witham says she also looks for other health issues, many of which may not be obvious.
"We talk about how your child eats and sleeps; and feels and does in school," she says. "Some common—and possibly surprising—issues that come up are sleep problems, troublesome allergies or skin issues, diet, and bowel-function issues, to name a few."
Through routine screening, Dr. Witham says she sometimes uncovers "silent" issues, such as elevated blood pressure or cholesterol. "We also do preventive counseling and we can help children and teens learn how to take care of themselves better," she says.
Children who do not get regular exams may not want to go, but once they establish a routine with a pediatrician, they understand the value of the time spent with their physician. "I find that if the exam is done annually, most children come to dread them less and less," Dr. Witham says. "There are so many years that go by where there aren't routine shots—from age 4 to 11—and over time both parents and their children come to think of the visit as a time to find out about their health. Who doesn't love having some time devoted just to you?"
A routine exam can save a life, too. It helps put parents on the right track for better health for their children. "I know good parents welcome constructive input on issues affecting their child's health, and of course they welcome another voice (other than their own!) saying, 'Turn off the TV,'" Dr. Witham says. "In other words, we can help backup some of the difficult parenting arguments that come along. We hope we can become a partner to parents in doing what is best for their children."
“Sometimes the annual check-up really is finding out about one little thing that, if left unaddressed, could develop into a bigger issue,” Dr. Witham says.
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Nancy Witham, M.D.
Pediatrics
Lee Physician Group
260 Beth Stacey, Suite C
Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
239-343-9888
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