School, sports physicals are vital requirement Published Aug. 24, 2009 By Lt. Col. Stephen George 21 Medical Operations Squadron Maternal Child Flight commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Parents are familiar with annual school and sports physical requirement as part of a comprehensive health maintenance strategy for their children. The frequency of regular checkups is influenced by a variety of factors. For infants, check-ups are recommended about every 2 to 6 months depending on age. From two to 11 years old, annual check-ups are the standard. After a child reaches 11 years of age, every 1 to 2 years are often sufficient. These evaluations are designed to confirm normal growth and development, address parental concerns, provide health education and conduct appropriate screening. Depending on age and history various tests and immunizations may be recommended. On rare occasions, these visits provide opportunities to identify a serious condition that might not otherwise be detected. Conditions that are identified commonly during screening exams include vision problems, hearing problems, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and exercise-induced asthma. With proper identification and care, the patient will have an improved quality of life. The 21st Medical Group Pediatric Clinic has dramatically increased the number of physical appointments available in order to accommodate the seasonal surge in demand. Help us meet your needs by taking the following steps: - Bring any required school or sports forms with you to the appointment. - Do not cancel an appointment on the same day and please don't ever 'no-show' an appointment. - Schedule a separate appointment for chronic or complex medical needs. - Lastly, school, camp, sports and extra-curricular participation may require a new physical form, but the actual physical is the same. If your child has had a physical within the last year and needs a new form completed, bring the document to the clinic for the healthcare provider to review and sign; there is no need to make a new appointment. Appointments can be scheduled by calling our access line at 556-CARE (2273), plan ahead and call up to four weeks in advance. Useful information is available at our link on the Peterson AFB website, http://www.peterson.af.mil, and our vaccine website, http://groups.google.com/group/peterson-shots.