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.

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.

A pre-college physical exam is a must

Before you go to college, get a physical

You may need to take a pre-college physical exam before you enroll in a university or college — and you should anyway. The first step in taking charge of your own health is to visit a doctor and find out about any medical issues that may affect your life on campus. You can have this done by your own doctor before you leave home, or go to a primary care facility near campus.

A pre-college physical exam will look at both your current health and your medical history. Bring a record of your immunizations and find out if you need any booster shots. Bring a record of your medical history, and be prepared to undergo a complete physical examination. The doctor will discuss your unique health concerns, how to stay healthy on campus and what dangers to avoid. There may also be lab tests. Make sure you find out if you are still covered by the same insurance policy as your parents.

Prrimary care facilities in Germantown

Look for a primary care facility near where you will be living. A good place to get a pre-college physical exam in the Germantown area is Germantown Primary Care Associates, which serves patients in Montgomery County, Germantown, Gaithersburg and Hyattstown. Dr. Manbir Takhar is the Chief Medical Officer. If they cannot fit you into their schedule, they will direct you to their sister unit next door, Medical Access. The basic physical costs $70. Make an appointment today.