Children usually dislike visiting the doctor but failure to get physical examinations, shots and eyes tested, especially for those starting kindergarten and first grade, could lead to serious learning problems in school that could escalate into obstacles to success when they become adults.

“It’s important for every child to have a physical every year, not just the ones going into kindergarten,” said Dr. Eric Tyler of Pediatric Associates of Alexander City. “It represents a snapshot of a child’s life and those data points can be used down the road to see if they have a chronic disorder.”