Launch the media gallery 1 player2020-21 School Physical Information
May 13, 2020
To: Area Parents
Regarding: School Physicals
From: Cindy Jakubowski RN, Clinic Manager
Avera Medical Group O’Neill
As the 2019-2020 school year comes to a close, we continue to be in awe of what an unprecedented end of the year it is! This has been a time of unknowns to say the least. We are hopeful as we look ahead to the next school year with high hopes! As you may be aware, NSAA will not require Pre-Participation Physical Examinations (PPE); an extension for the 2019-2020 PPE has been given for ONE additional year, making them good for the 2020-2021 school year. The exemption does NOT include incoming Freshmen. (Kindergarten, 7th grade, and students transferring out of state are still required.)
Despite this extension, Providers with Avera Medical Group O’Neill continue to be concerned with the health and wellness of each individual student. Wellness exams are an opportune time to catch children up on the recommended immunizations, detect problems that may affect learning and overall health. It is a way to educate kids and families on safety issues as well as good health practices. We do encourage parents/guardians to schedule a Well Child Exam with the provider of their choice.
We want to take this opportunity to inform parents what a Well Child Check is. A Well Child Check is a school physical PLUS includes a much more in depth review and will include the following:
- A complete head to toe physical
- A complete set of vital signs to include, height, weight, BMI, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure.
- A review of your child’s allergies
- A review of your child’s medications
- A review of your child’s immunizations, along with receiving any immunizations that are due.
- A review of your child’s past medical history
- A review of your child’s social history, which includes risky behaviors such as tobacco usage, choices in foods and caffeine use, alcohol use, seat belt use to name a few.
- Most importantly this is an excellent opportunity for your provider to educate your teen about health lifestyles and behaviors.
The above items are just the starting point for what is offered during a Well Child Check, as you can see it is much different than the brief screening. The healthcare industry is trying to educate everyone on the importance of prevention, this is one way we can start making our teens healthier.
Avera Medical Group will be offering Well Child Checks throughout the summer during clinical hours of Monday thru Friday 8am to 5pm, as well as at our satellite clinics in Chambers, Ewing, Page and Spencer. We are highly encouraging parents to schedule your child with a provider any time throughout the summer. We do want to encourage you to get your child in sooner rather than later. We want to make sure your providers have the adequate time to spend with your child. We encourage you to check with your insurance company in regards to how your family plan works.
Please make sure you review your child’s immunization record prior to their appointment. If you have questions as to if they need vaccinations, please call and visit with a nurse.
When you come to your appointment please bring the following.
- A parent (we will need parent permission to administer vaccines)
- Your child’s Immunization record
- COMPLETED School physical form if required (check with your school, OR download from the NSAA website)
We invite you to call us with questions or concerns at 402-336-2900. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your Healthcare Team! Best of luck school year.
Sincerely,
Avera Medical Group O’Neill Providers and Staff
