The Connections Bernards Ridge Edition June, July & August 2021

theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 26 Why does my child need a physical? Many parents ask that. There are many reasons to have a yearly physical. Here are some of the most important. 1. Checkup appointments allow us to examine patients for normal physical development. Heart murmurs, enlarge- ment of liver or spleen, enlargement of lymph nodes, abnormal development of pubertal characteristics and many more are all things that can be uncovered at a physical exam. We also can check if vacci- nations are updated. 2. Encouragement and education for the establishment of good health hab- its. Well checkups allow us to discuss the importance of sleep, good eating habits and regular exercise. Explaining to pa- tients that weight, nutrition, and tness are very different things andmaking sure each patient is caring for each aspect is very im- portant. 3.Mental healthscreening. Ithasbeen adif cult year for everyonewithCOVID-19 restrictions and alterations in lifestyle, but even without these, screening patients for depression and anxiety, and other mental health disorders is a must. It allows pa- tients to know someone is concerned and listening and allows us to intervene when necessary. In addition, we can review and suggest parenting techniques andprovide advice for families. We also can discuss the dangers of vaping, drug and alcohol use, and personal safety. 4. Screening bloodwork and testing. Many patients require screening blood- work. These includemenstruating females, those at certain ages, with certain medical conditions or family histories of medical conditions, those on regular medications who require yearly screening for a CBC to assess bone marrow function or liver func- tion, those not growing at a rate consistent with their predictedheight, those not gain- ing well or those gaining toomuch weight as a few examples. 5. To establish a Medical Home. One of our most important jobs as a primary care provider to act as the medical home for patients. All consultation reports, spe- cialist ndings, and other medical testing are kept inone location. This allows thepri- mary care provider to be the coordinator of all these and allows us to help parents and patients make medical decisions. 6. Sports and activity clearance. All NJmiddle school and high school athletes require a PPE form lled out. It requires taking a lengthymedical history for risk fac- tors and a thorough physical exam. Some- times additional screening like an EKG is required or an Echocardiogram. 7. The college connection! Students leaving for college or boarding school need a game plan for eating and sleep- ing and exercise. We need to review their medical history, provide needed medica- tions, explain when they should go to the health center, and let them know they can call whenever they need to. By: Allyson Agathis, MD, FAAP WHY DO I NEED A PHYSICAL EXAM?? I FEEL FINE!! All consultation reports, specialist ndings, and other medical testing are kept in one location. This allows the primary care provider to be the coordinator of all these and allows us to help parents and patients make medical decisions. PEDIATRICS AND ADOLESCENT MEDICINE IT’S PHYSICAL EXAM TIME!! • Comprehensive Annual Physical Exams • Screenings and Bloodwork On Site • School and Camp Forms • Pre-College exams, vaccinations and wellness plans for students leaving for college!!