Physical Exams

Physical exams are the foundation of preventive health and something that all kids need as they move through the phases of childhood. The team of pediatricians and family medicine specialists at Edison Health in Edison, New Jersey, strive to make these routine visits as enjoyable as possible for both parents and children. If you need to schedule a physical, call or click to check appointment availability.  

Why are physical exams so important?

Physical exams are the setting where kids receive developmental screenings. Your child’s pediatrician gathers routine information about your child’s height, weight, and other developmental markers. 

This information is compared to statistics compiled from other kids who are the same age and sex as your child. This comparison makes it easy to chart where a child falls on the developmental scale and helps practitioners identify potential areas of concern. 

Routine physicals, also called well-child visits, are also an opportunity for you to ask questions and receive guidance from your child’s health professional. No topic is off limits, including concerns about discipline, mental health, and emerging sexual health. 

What should I expect during my child’s physical exams?

The first part of the visit centers on gathering routine health data. A brief physical examination follows. Some of the areas of focus might include:

• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Breathing
• Skin condition
• Reflexes
• Hearing and vision
• Strength
• Flexibility

If your child’s pediatrician feels that additional screenings are called for, they’ll explain what to expect. There is also time built into every physical exam for you and your child to ask questions or discuss concerns. 

If your child is coming in for a sports physical or school physical, the pediatrician will make sure to address all of the checklist items required by the organization. You’ll receive the documentation you need to satisfy the physical requirements. 

How can I help a child who is fearful about physical exams?

Some kids develop fears surrounding health care. This can happen as a result of watching a movie or TV show that portrays health visits as something scary, or after hearing a friend or loved one talk about health services in a negative way. Sometimes there is no clear cause for these fears and worries. 

You can lessen a child’s fear by bringing them in with you during your next routine physical exam. Once they see there is nothing to fear, they might become more excited about their own trip to the pediatrician.

There are also many different books written about how fun it is to go see a doctor. Find one written for your child’s age range and read it together. 

If you need to book a physical exam, reach out to the office online or by phone to check appointment availability.