Kids between the ages of 5 and 18 have crowding clinics region-wide the last couple of weeks.

Very rarely can we say this; all of them are going in for the same reason.   

If you went shopping over weekend, you may have noticed you weren't alone. Between getting school supplies and new duds department stores are hopping right now. The same could be said at area medical clinics.

Pediatrician Dr. Kara Bruning at the Main McGreevy Clinic Avera in Sioux Falls says they are swamped with students getting physicals before the start of the new school year and she is happy to see it.

Dr. Bruning says, "Everyone needs to get a school physical every year. It's good to make sure your child is still growing physically and developmentally and doing well, especially the kindergartners. That first physical is important because it makes sure all their shots are up to date, which can really play an important role since some schools won't let children into school if they don't have the required vaccines."

Dr. Bruning says any child playing a sport will need a physical, but she suggests every student get one before the school year whether they are in athletics or not.

Dr. Bruning says, "School starts here pretty quickly and the problem is people wait until the last minute to get a school physical. If you call at 3:30 the day before school starts, there is a high likelihood we won't have any spaces left to see anyone."

Dr. Bruning says the head-to-toe physical usually takes only 15 to 30 minutes, just don't expect you are going to "get in" 15 to 30 minutes after you call.