Description

This straightforward and reassuring program explains to elementary children what takes place during a typical physical exam and demonstrates what doctors actually see when looking through various diagnostic instruments. During a visit to their doctor, 12-year-olds Melanie and Kwaumi learn more about the main components of a typical annual physical exam. Dr. Steven Pliszka offers a brief explanation of instruments such as the stethoscope, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, and blood pressure gauge. The doctor also demonstrates what he is able to determine by feeling internal organs with his hands, testing reflexes with a small mallet and listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope. Viewers will be more informed and relaxed about going to their next physical exam after seeing this straightforward, reassuring program and participating in the activities in the Teacher’s Resource Book.

Includes: 18-minute video, teacher’s resource book, and student handouts.

Sample Video Clip:

Reviews:

This program gets high marks for both its adolescent appeal and content. Told from alternating first- and third-person points of view (much like the testimonial single-camera style seen in many popular television shows today), the DVD features trendy music and graphics between scenes. Dr. Steven Pliszka and two 12-year-old patients (a Caucasian female and an African-American male) explain what takes place during a standard annual physical exam and describe the instruments used such as a stethoscope and ophthalmoscope. Segments include detailed information, graphics, and diagrams. Presented in accessible, easily understood language, topics include the health history, blood pressure, eyes/ears/mouth/tonsils, lungs, heart, abdomen, reflexes, and blood tests. The teacher’s resource book includes excellent lesson plan suggestions, activity sheets with answer keys, and ideas for health awareness campaigns. Both current and relevant, this reassuring program is highly recommended for all upper elementary schools.

– Cathie B. Morton, Millbrook Central School District,
School Library Journal