Tuesday, 12 August 2014 17:56

Sutter Medical Foundation Amador Pediatrics Office Recommends Physicals Before School Starts

JACKSON, Calif. – Back to school is upon us and if you haven’t done so already, now is a great time to schedule your child’s annual school and sports physicals.

Routine physicals allow pediatricians to assess your child’s growth and development, which includes checking height and weight, blood pressure, vision, hearing and a complete physical exam. Pediatricians will also assess for other physical, emotional or social health concerns and perform any indicated or recommended laboratory testing.

“All of these assessments are very important and require more time and attention than is available during illness visits. Therefore, you should make an appointment specifically for a well-child check-up,” said Aye Moe, M.D., a pediatrician with Sutter Medical Group who joined the Sutter Amador Pediatrics office this year.

In addition to Dr. Moe, Sutter Amador Pediatrics office features physicians David Stone, M.D., and Amy Appleton, M.D., and Nurse Practitioner Denise Lack, Ph.D. – who are excited to care for your children. The office, located at 100 Mission Blvd., is now accepting new patients. To make an appointment call (209) 257-1722.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual check-ups for children ages 3 through 18. These provide a good opportunity for parents and doctors to talk about development and behavioral issues your child or adolescent may be facing. A child’s health can change from year to year, so it’s important to receive a complete examination on an annual basis.

In addition to an annual physical, the beginning of the school year can be a good time to discuss athletic injuries with your pediatrician. As more children and adolescents are participating in the same sport year-round (as opposed to 20 years ago, when they might have been in a couple of seasonal sports), physicians are seeing more overuse injuries.

“If student-athletes see their physician before beginning a new sport, it can significantly decrease the possibility of injury,” said Dr. Moe. “We can recommend exercises to increase your child’s fitness and encourage the use of safety equipment. We want to partner with you to assess any special risks that are unique to your child.”

Posted by TSPN TV on Tuesday, Aug 12, 2014 10AM