Written By: Katherine D. McCleary, MD on August 27, 2025
Originally published September 2019
It’s back-to-school time yet again. The summer air is starting to cool, school bells are ringing, and bus doors are swinging open. With kids back in the classroom, it’s also the perfect time to tackle some yearly “housekeeping” – like making sure everyone in the family is up to date on their physical exam.
Why Yearly Physicals Matter for Kids
Wellness visits are especially important for children. These check-ups make sure your child is healthy and ready to take on the school year. At their physical, your provider will:
- Review immunizations and update any that are due
- Make sure screening tests are current
- Confirm your child is healthy enough to participate in sports and activities
Parents Need Check-Ups Too
Physical exams aren’t just for kids. Parents also benefit from an annual visit. A yearly exam can check for things like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, while also giving you and your provider a chance to look at your overall wellness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that regular check-ups can catch health issues before they start – or at least early, when treatment is most effective. These visits are also a great opportunity to talk about lifestyle changes you’ve been thinking about, like quitting smoking, losing weight, or starting a new exercise routine.
Healthy children need healthy parents. Keeping up with your yearly physical helps the whole family stay on track.
Where to Go for Your Physical
The best place to go for your annual exam is your primary care provider. If you don’t have one yet, Care New England Medical Group is accepting new patients at locations across Rhode Island – including Coventry, East Greenwich, Lincoln, North Kingstown, Pawtucket, Providence, Warwick, and West Warwick.
Our providers care for both physical and behavioral health needs. That includes everything from colds and flu to birth control, diabetes, hypertension, and mental health challenges. In addition to treating illnesses, we put a strong focus on preventive care – routine check-ups, screenings, and immunizations that keep you healthier in the long run.
For more information about choosing a primary care provider or to make an appointment, call (401) 736-4257 or visit carenewengland.org/services/primary-care .
