Sports Physicals Are Important

We conduct sports physicals in our office and recommend scheduling them early and annually. It is important for any child or adolescent who is engaged in sports to have a physical to determine if they are in good enough health to participate. Most parents do not think about the health of their children in relation to playing sports. However, it is important to be aware that activities can place a serious demand on a child's body. If the child is not up for the demand, then it can lead to further health problems. Fortunately, you can avoid those problems by scheduling a

The appointment

During a sports physical, we will conduct a physical examination and visually observe things like their gait and reflexes, listen to their heartbeat and lungs, check their height and weight to determine if it is in line for their age group, etc. This is a general well visit but instead of giving immunizations we focus more on their current health and trying to determine if they are up for the stress of being physically active.

It is also important for us to have a family health history. If someone in the family suffers from seizures, strokes or even diabetes, this is the right time to mention it. If we harbor any concerns that a child may suffer from these conditions as well, we may recommend additional testing such as bloodwork.

Find answers to all of your questions

Sports physicals are also a good time for parents to ask questions and for us to discuss how to keep a child in good health while playing sports. It is common for children and adolescents to have multiple practices a week. Sometimes, they can have up to four practices and a game every week, leaving little time for rest. Sufficient sleep is also crucial to helping children rest and not feel exhaustion.

We recommend that children continue to get at least eight hours of sleep while playing sports and if they say that they are tired and need more rest, let them have it. This may require catching up on the weekends but it is important for their health. Also, it is important for children to remain hydrated. Thus, ensuring that children carry a water bottle at all times, even when they are not practicing and playing, is a wise idea.

Simultaneously, nutrition will be more important than ever when children are playing sports. This means avoiding things like fast food, chips, and pizza. Instead, fill the child up with lean protein, green leafy vegetables, dairy, nuts, fruits and anything that is going to be packed with the nutrition they need to continue to be healthy and not function at optimal levels.

Bring paperwork

When scheduling a sports physical with our clinic, be sure to let us know what the appointment is for and to bring any paperwork that the school requires be signed. This is necessary if they are going to register for sports that season. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call our clinic today.