You may be required to take a pre-college physical exam

What the exam includes

If you are going to a new university or college at the start of the year, you may need to take a pre-college physical exam before enrolling. Even if you are not, this is a good idea.

A pre-college physical exam looks at your medical history as well as your current health. Here are some of the things you should be ready for:

• The physical examination. This usually involves checking over almost everything, and measuring height, weight and blood pressure. Bring your medical history.

• Immunizations. Bring records of all immunizations you have had. You may need booster shots, a meningitis shot or an annual flu shot.

• Health and lifestyle counseling. This part comes after the results of the other exams. The doctor will talk to you about your health issues, how to stay healthy on campus and what dangers to avoid.

• Lab tests. These do not always happen. Common tests include cholesterol tests, and tests for thyroid problems and anemia.

• Transition of care and insurance issues. Transition of care simply means you take care of yourself now. Start by packing a personal medical kit with pain relievers, bandages, cold and hot packs, cough medicine, wound cream, a thermometer and whatever medicine you normally take.

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. Make an appointment today.