Center to offer back-to-school physicals in area

Exams to help children be ready for next school year

Although many children around Yuma have just embarked on their summer vacation, a local health center is already gearing up for the next school year by offering back-to-school physicals on select Saturdays starting July 1.

According to Lucy Murrieta, community relations, outreach and eligibility director at Sunset Community Health Center, the back-to-school physical will include a routine exam that is based on the guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“During this routine examination, a medical provider will record the child’s height and weight, blood pressure and pulse,” Murrieta said. “In addition to these records, the medical provider will also check the heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, teeth and throat of the child to ensure that no abnormalities exist.”

Every year, she says SCHC provides physicals to approximately 8,500 children.

“Children are one of the most valuable assets that society has and with another school year rapidly approaching, children must be in excellent shape to be successful in school,” Murrieta said. “In addition, many local child programs require a yearly physical in order to continue to receive services. By offering these physicals on a Saturday (it) gives working parents a better opportunity to take their child for a yearly examination.”

Children who receive back-to-school physicals during one of the select Saturdays will also have a chance to enter a raffle and win tickets for four to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, she added.

The physicals will be offered at SCHC’s various locations throughout Yuma for children between the ages three to 18. To obtain a screening, children must be accompanied by one of their parents. SCHC also asks that parents bring their children’s immunization cards.

For the physical examinations, a child’s insurance will be billed accordingly and when applicable, said Murrieta.

“If the child does not have medical coverage, Sunset eligibility workers will be available to provide medical coverage enrollment assistance, but no child will be turned away for no insurance status.”

Appointments are required and can be made in advance. The following is a list of Saturday locations and contact information:

• July 1 — Wellton — (928) 785-3256

• July 8 — North Yuma — (928) 539-3140

• July 15 —Yuma — (928) 819-8999

• July 22 — Somerton — (928) 627-2051

• July 29 — San Luis — (928) 627-3822