Pre-college physical exams an important health step

The pre-college physical exam

If your son or daughter is planning to go to a new college at the start of the year, you should know that he or she may be required to take a pre-college physical exam first. Even if your son or daughter is not required to do so, you should still encourage him or her to do so. Looking after their own health on a day-to-day basis is an important step in achieving independence for your children. If your family has a regular doctor, send him or her there. If not, you should try a primary care facility.

A pre-college physical exam looks at medical history and current health. Be sure to bring records of all immunizations he or she has received. If he or she had all childhood vaccinations, he or she may still need booster shots and the annual flu shot. You may also wish to persuade them to get a meningitis shot.

Bring the medical history of your child, so the doctor can read through it. The doctor will discuss the particular health issues of your son or daughter, including how to stay healthy on campus and what dangers to avoid. Your child should pack a personal medical kit with pain relievers, bandages, cold and hot packs, cough medicine, wound cream, a thermometer and whatever medicine they normally take. Let them know if they are still covered by your insurance.

Where to get one in Germantown

The best place to get a pre-college physical exam in the Germantown area is Germantown Primary Care Associates, serving patients in Montgomery County, Germantown, Gaithersburg and Hyattstown. Dr. Manbir Takhar is the Chief Medical Officer. Get your son or daughter to make an appointment today.