School is finally out for the summer. Your calendar is full of activities that you or your kids will be involved in over the next three months. Getting ready to go back to school is the last thing on your mind. However, you can avoid the back-to-school rush by taking care of school and sports physicals at Urgent Care Associates. If you wait until August to schedule your appointment elsewhere, it may be difficult to find a time that works for you. And, your doctor may need extra time to gather information or run special tests.

The Importance of a Physical

If you or your child is into athletics, chances are practice starts in August and if you wait too long, he or she may miss those first few days of practice. Kids should have a sports physical every two years in order to participate in their chosen sports. But we actually recommend a physical every year, as does the American Academy of Pediatric Sports.

Because a child’s health can change from year to year it is important to receive a complete examination on an annual basis.

Urgent Care Associates recommends scheduling a visit with your child’s doctor as opposed to relying on sports physicals offered by your child’s school. School physicals tend to be less thorough than those conducted at a doctor’s office. Although a school doctor will ask about your child’s medical history, it is advantageous for your child to see a dedicated physician.


Sports Physicals

If a student athlete sees the physician before beginning a new sport, that can significantly decrease the possibility of injury. The physician can recommend exercises to increase your child’s fitness and encourage the use of safety equipment. Reviewing your child’s medical history and your family’s medical history with a physician will allow them to assess special risks that are unique to your child.

“We’re trying to assess risk factors in those examinations for sudden cardiac events that we all hear about in young athletes, as well as trying to assess if there are anychronic injuries, which we see now in young athletes, such as overuse injuries. These include knee and shoulder problems caused by football, soccer and occasionally swimming.

When is a Physical Necessary?

Although most schools do not require that a child complete a physical exam before the beginning of each school year, there are many instances in which a child’s school does require a physical by a pediatrician or other physician. Such instances include:

• Kindergarten − The state requires that all students in kindergarten through high school have up-to-date immunizations. In addition, most schools require that students have a physical examination within six months prior to beginning kindergarten.
  
• 7 th grade − Most schools require that all students complete a physical exam before entering the 7 th grade. Students are also required to get up-to-date immunizations before beginning 7 th grade.
  
• Transfer students − Students transferring from outside the state are also required to show proof of up-to-date immunizations. Many states have different immunization requirements; therefore, transfer students often must receive additional shots in order to begin school.
  
• School sports − Students must complete a physical exam before participating in any school sports, including cheerleading and dance. Such physicals identify any health issues that might put a student at risk during practice or competition.

What Does a Physical Involve?

An annual physical assesses your child’s growth and development. It will also check weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, vision, hearing, physical, emotional or social health concerns. A pediatrician may also check for conditions such as scoliosis, diabetes, anemia and urological problems.

Your child’s physician will also ensure that all immunizations are up-to-date and administer shots if necessary. Often, new immunizations have been introduced since a child was last immunized.