We moms spend our fair share of time in the bleachers or on the sidelines, watching our kids run, block, tackle, pass, shoot, kick, dance, cheer, swim, wrestle — and the list goes on. But before that happens, we should spend some time in the doctor’s office making sure our kids’ sports physicals are up to date.
Most school athletic programs require a sports physical before participation so, in most cases, it’s not optional. And it shouldn’t be because these types of physicals are designed to catch health problems that, if they go undetected, could cause serious health issues for young athletes. In most cases, a sports physical will only take about 15 to 20 minutes and they’re covered by most insurance programs. (If it’s not covered, cost is about $25.)
Here are 7 things you should know about why sports physicals are so important BEFORE your kid steps foot on the field or in the gym.
- Doctors will ask about any past heat-related illnesses.
- Doctors will educate the student and parent about how to avoid getting a heat-related illness.
- Doctors will look at the child’s cardiovascular health and any potential problems.
- Doctors will check lungs and blood pressure.
- Doctors will check for any possible joint issues as well as flexibility.
- Doctors will talk to you about family history, trying to determine if there is any link to people passing out during exercise or any incidences of sudden death.
- Sports physicals can and do catch health complications that are capable of causing life-threatening conditions for athletes.
More questions about sports physicals? Click HERE to see an interview with Dr. Steve Goss of Mercy about this important exam.
