SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Back to school is often a time when parents think about getting their kids to the doctor for their annual wellness exam.
A pediatrician can address issues in children, and not just physical, but social and emotional ones too.
Grace Krugler prepared to enter kindergarten, but not before a visit to the doctor. Grace is having her hearing tested, along with her vision.
“Those can affect the way a child performs in school,” Doctor Jennifer Shu said. “If you just send them into the classroom without that eye screen, they can have problems seeing the board, they can have problems reading their work and really have problems with their grades in school also.”
Dr. Shu said a 5-year-old wellness check includes assessing the child’s physical condition, but also things like:
“Are they mature enough to listen to directions? Can they sit in the seat?” Shu said.
Grace’s older brother jack, is also in for his annual exam. Jack plays baseball. And though many children who play sports get a physical through school, Shu said having a medical ‘home’ is important.