Get Ready for Fall Sports with a Sports Physical
Cleats? Check.
Safety pads? Check.
Reusable water bottle? Check.
The sports pre-participation physical exam is not meant to replace an annual physical exam or well child visit provided by your child�s regular doctor. The main purposes of a pre-participation physical are:
To determine if it is safe for your child to participate in a particular sport, and to identify conditions that need treatment before participation.
A sports physical includes two crucial parts (a medical history and a physical exam) and includes the following:
� Questions about:
- serious illnesses among other family members
- illnesses you had when younger or may have now, like asthma, diabetes, etc.
- allergies (to insect bites, for example)
- past injuries (including concussions, sprains, or bone fractures)
- any current medications (including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and prescription medications)
� Height and weight measurement
� Blood pressure and pulse reading
� Vision test
� Heart, lung, abdomen, ear, nose and throat check
� Posture, joint, strength and flexibility evaluation
Before you score the game winning goal, hit the ball out of the park or win a perfect match, take the time to find out about and deal with any health problems that may interfere with your participation. The Little Clinic provider can also help with training tips and suggestions to help you prevent injuries.