Des Moines, IA (Radio Iowa)– As Iowa students prepare to return to school in a few weeks, many will be undergoing physical exams and health officials are reminding the everyone that honesty is the best policy.

Physician Assistant Andrea Winters says a child may be afraid to mention warning signs of potentially life-threatening conditions, but telling the truth could help find a relatively simple cure.

Winters says it is also important for Iowa parents to discuss why it is a smart move for everyone to get an annual check-up, not just student athletes.

When it comes to potential cardiac problems, many adults may now the signs of the problem but kids may need to educated as to what is normal and what is not.