WHY IS AN ANNUAL PHYSICAL SO IMPORTANT FOR YOUR STUDENT ATHLETE?

A sports physical ensures a student athlete is healthy and ready to safely participate in their chosen sport. As any parent of a seasoned student athlete knows, a sports physical is not only necessary but is required in order for their son or daughter to participate in school sports programs. Most importantly, regular examinations afford the doctor the opportunity to discover any health-related risks or preexisting injuries before your child participates in rigorous sporting activities.

Parents must accompany their children to the doctor so they can ask questions or voice concerns about their children’s health and development. The doctor will also talk to parents about developmental and safety issues for the overall well-being of your child.

During the sports physical, the doctor will perform a complete physical examination and check your child’s blood pressure. The doctor will weigh and measure your child to make sure he or she is progressing along a normal pattern of growth. This examination is also essential to keeping your child healthy and up-to-date with their immunizations.

Your student athlete may also be screened for anemia, diabetes, scoliosis, and other risks. These procedures are normal and help provide the physician with a “health timeline” should an illness arise in the future. Overall, checkups like these provide you as a parent with peace of mind and an opportunity to ask questions about the development and overall health of your child.

*Please note that free sports physicals are for all school-aged, student atheletes. This includes student athletes in grade school, middle school, high school, and college.