Back to school: clothes, school supplies and physicals Published Aug. 13, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Ariel D. Partlow 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- August is here, which means it's that time of year that almost all parents love and children hate - Back to school! That also means it's time for physicals. The 47th Medical Group is encouraging families to schedule their children's school, sports and camp physicals as early as possible. "Annual well-child exams are important, even if your child doesn't have any health issues or doesn't need it for school," said Capt. David Alt, 47th Medical Operations Squadron pediatrician. "In addition to medical screening, it is an opportunity to engage children in their own health and discuss concerns that affect the health of the entire family. For children, it involves reviewing the child's medical history and lifestyle to screen for anything that might pose a risk to the child's health or limit participation in school." A complete physical exam is done to ensure the child is growing and developing appropriately. For children of certain ages, immunizations are part of the discussion. Children who have had a physical within the last 12 months do not require a visit. The medical group requests that you drop paperwork off at the family health front desk or submit it through MiCare messaging. A member of the pediatric clinic will review and process the paperwork and have it back to the parent within 72 hours. Alt said that the physical exam process is fairly simple by using MiCare. If a parent isn't sure if their child is in the 12-month window they can send a message through MiCare to their team and they'll review the child's record. If they don't require a visit, forms can be uploaded through MiCare. This will keep an appointment open for a family that is just arriving to Laughlin. School physical forms can also be sent through MiCare. The line to call and book an appointment is 298-6333 or send a message through MiCare.