Add Us On GoogleAdd as a preferred source on Google
La. (KALB) -As students prepare to return to school, doctors are encouraging families to schedule yearly wellness visits for their children
Back-to-school season is prompting physicians to remind parents that annual checkups are as important as buying supplies
Dr. Joanna Holt, a family practice physician at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, said the fall season is a natural time to prioritize preventive care
“Fall is an extra great time because we’re starting to think about flu shots and back to school and all the things that bring wellness exams and wellness good health to mind,” she said
Holt said patients can expect a review of vitals, a physical exam and an extensive health history, including family history and social habits. Physicians also use the visit to recommend age-appropriate vaccinations and lab work
Some patients may also be identified as high-risk for specific conditions, prompting additional screening during the visit
For children participating in sports, Holt said a sports physical is also required. She said adult patients who are not subject to school or sports requirements should still schedule an annual checkup to address preventive screenings such as cholesterol checks, mammograms and colonoscopies, as well as adult vaccines including flu, pneumonia and shingles shots
Click here to report a typo. Please provide the title of the article in your email
Copyright 2026 KALB. All rights reserved
