No matter what grade your child is entering this fall, there's probably a lot to do as school starts. Here's why a thorough health checkup and sports physical should be on your back-to-school checklist.

Seeing the doctor at least once a year helps create an accurate, up-to-date record of your child's growth and development. For some healthy kids, back-to-school could be the only time they visit the pediatrician. That makes this annual checkup even more essential.

Physicals help your child's doctor spot new health issues such as a recent injury, food allergy or difficulties with sleep. Regular screenings to check your child's vision, hearing, oral health, development and more can identify health problems ranging from minor to life-threatening. It’s also a great opportunity to get advice from your pediatrician on how to promote healthy behaviors and prevent potential problems.

At the back-to-school checkup, your pediatrician can also ask about mental or emotional issues that, if left untreated, could make life and school much harder for your child. They can offer guidance on building healthy habits and routines, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep and a family media plan, so that your child can be healthy and ready to learn and thrive in school.

All 50 states require children and teens to get certain vaccines before starting school. These regulations help keep serious diseases such as whooping cough, polio, measles and others from harming your child and sickening others, including your family.

The vast majority of parents vaccinate their children, and that means illnesses are less likely to spread in their children's schools. When all children are immunized, we can create healthier schools for everyone.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children have vaccines as required by the laws of their state. Strong immunization laws support healthy school environments, safe spaces where children can learn, grow and thrive.

Immunizations are one of the most important steps we can take to protect kids in the classroom. Following the AAP recommended vaccine schedule ensures that by the time your child is old enough to start kindergarten, their immune system will be ready to resist 16 diseases. This helps them stay ahead of germs so they can avoid getting sick and missing school. Vaccines keep their school friends, families and communities healthy, too. When more school kids have immunity, it’s harder for dangerous contagious diseases to spread.

Sometimes, a child might have a medical reason why they should skip one or more vaccines. Medical exemptions might be temporary or permanent, based on the child and their condition.

The AAP also recommends yearly sports physicals for all children and teens. This portion of your child's back-to-school checkup helps their doctor review concerns specific to athletes like previous injuries, concussions or chronic conditions that might impact play.

Student athletes may need to submit forms showing they've had a sports physical, so adding this to your back-to-school routine saves time. During this visit, your pediatrician can also provide tips for avoiding overuse and overtraining injuries, healthy eating for athletic success and more.

Sports and other extracurricular activities can be great for kids, boosting physical activity, emotional health and a sense of belonging. If your child is interested in sports but not sure how or where to get involved, the pediatrician can help connect your family with teams and leagues in your community.

Check with your child's school to make sure you have the right forms before heading to the doctor's office. Along with basic health screenings and sports exams, you may need to file paperwork if your child takes medication at school. This could include prescriptions for asthma, ADHD, seizures or serious allergies. Coordinating with the school health team at the start of the year ensures that there are guidelines in place for handling health emergencies all year long.

Back-to-school physicals are an easy, effective way to check on your child's overall health and address any questions you might have. Seeing the doctor at least once a year builds a clear, accurate record of your child's growth and development.

Your pediatrician cares about parent and family health, too. If you're facing difficulties with housing, nutrition, health care expenses or anything else that affects your family's well-being, ask about local resources and programs that can help.

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Rachel Dawkins, MD FAAP is a general pediatrician in St. Petersburg, Florida. She is Medical Director of the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Care Network and is chairperson of the AAP Career Alliance.

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