Get ready for back to school with Baptist Health Paducah

PADUCAH, KY (Aug. 5, 2025) — As families prep for the new school year, Baptist Health Paducah is reminding parents that back to school readiness involves more than just a new backpack and pencils. It can start with scheduling your child’s back-to-school physical.

“A back-to-school physical is more than just a routine checkup, it’s an opportunity to look at your child’s health, their growth and development, and make sure they are emotionally ready for a new school year,” said Heath Morgan Cates, MD, pediatrician with Baptist Health Medical Group Pediatrics. “It gives us a chance to catch small issues before they become big problems and to support families in building healthy habits that last all year long.”

No matter your child’s age, scheduling a back-to-school physical can ensure they’re ready for the new school year. Annual well-child visits are a comprehensive health checkup, providing a chance to evaluate growth and development, screen for common conditions, and catch up on required immunizations. They can also be an opportunity to discuss nutrition, exercise habits, screen time, and mental health concerns.

Vaccinations help protect not only your child, but classmates, teachers, and immuno-compromised individuals in the community. Schools require proof of immunization, and missing required vaccines could delay a child’s first day of school. Scheduling early helps avoid the back-to-school rush and ensure everything is in place when classes begin.

Along with annual wellness visits, sports physicals are a routine requirement for student athletes.  A sports physical determines a child’s fitness to safely participate in athletics, but it doesn’t replace a full exam. Baptist Health encourages families to schedule both exams together, when possible.

Mental and emotional health is another important component of back-to-school wellness. A child struggling with anxiety, stress, or focus might not speak unless asked and your provider can help identify potential challenges early.

Make the most of your visit:

• Bring school or sports forms that need to be completed.
• Provide a list of current medications or supplements.
• Bring past immunization records if you are seeing a new provider.
• Write down any questions or concerns you might have.

Schedule your child’s back-to-school appointment by calling one of our two convenient pediatrics offices:

• Baptist Health Medical Group Pediatrics, 2605 Kentucky Ave, Medical Park 3, Suite 501, Paducah, KY 42003, at 270.443.7534
• Baptist Health Medical Group Pediatrics, 2670 New Holt Road, Suite 200, Paducah, KY 42001, at 270.575.2875