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The sports season is right around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time for your child to join tryouts for soccer, baseball, and other fall sports.
Keep in mind that youth sports and school athletics require a sports physical as part of the registration process. Before you find yourself rushing to register your child, it’s important to plan by scheduling their sports check-up early.
If you have never brought your child for a sports physical before, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. And even if it’s not your first time, you may learn a thing or two about finding the best pediatrician or some prep tips to make your upcoming appointment as straightforward as possible.
This blog also covers helpful information about scheduling an appointment at Children’s Medical Centers of Fresno, home to some of the top pediatricians in California.
What is a sports physical? A sports physical exam is a type of medical check-up that ensures it’s safe for a kid or teenager to join sports. While other medical professionals can perform this examination, pediatricians are still the more suitable specialists due to their expertise in child development, pediatric conditions, and familiarity with the patient’s medical history.
What’s the goal of this exam? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advocates for the health and well-being of your child from infancy to young adulthood. One of the recommendations of the AAP is for parents to ensure their children undergo a sports physical examination to assess their physical and mental fitness.
This fitness check aims to identify any underlying conditions that could impact children’s sports performance or raise the risk of injury. Here are the five main components that the exam typically covers:
The pediatrician will ask about your child’s past injuries, surgeries, illnesses, and family medical history, mainly focusing on conditions like asthma, heart conditions, or concussions. This helps identify any potential risks related to sports activities.
The pediatrician will discuss injury prevention, such as warming up before sports. They may also offer printed or online resources to help your child benefit from fall sports while avoiding injuries, along with first-aid treatments if you cannot see a pediatrician immediately.
The physician may also cover topics on nutrition, hydration, and tips on helping your child achieve a healthy weight.
The pediatrician might review and update your child’s immunization records, ensuring they are up to date, especially for tetanus and other relevant vaccines.
Depending on the age of the patient, the pediatrician might discuss the dangers of substance abuse, including performance-enhancing drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.
It’s easy to skip physical exams when your child seems healthy, like when you bring them to a children’s fitness center and see them so full of energy and enjoying themselves. But even just a touch of complacency can lead to unexpected visits to the emergency room. To ensure your child’s health and safety, it’s best to be cautious.
Schedule a pre-sports physical for your child to identify any potential issues before they become problems. Your pediatrician can provide specific guidance on injury prevention and advise on which sports are appropriate for your child’s age and developmental stage.
It’s normal for parents to worry about how severe health conditions could affect their child’s ability to participate in sports. However, it’s important not to let these concerns stop you or your child from enjoying physical activities.
Olympic diver Greg Louganis, for instance, received an asthma diagnosis. Still, he was encouraged by his mother and doctors to remain physically active to alleviate his symptoms and enhance his lung capacity. Following this strategy, he secured four gold medals and one silver medal, solidifying his status as one of the greatest male divers in history.
Besides ensuring children are in top shape while playing sports, health screenings also set a sound foundation for their long-term health, especially if they qualify to play professionally later on. Below are some of the essential advantages of scheduling your kids for a sports health screening:
The National Federation of State High School Associations, the authoritative body for setting playing rules for high school sports, advises that the ideal time to schedule the physical is before the sports season starts.
This timeline allows ample time for any necessary diagnostic work-up, treatment, or rehab recommended for an identified condition. Also, scheduling early means avoiding last-minute rushes or appointment shortages as more kids and teens rush to get their required physicals.
Always consider expertise when looking for a suitable pediatrician or sports medicine specialist. Check how long the specialist has been treating young patients and what parents have to say about their services (via testimonials or Google reviews).
If you’re looking for experienced specialists in Fresno or a nearby city, head to the Children’s Medical Centers of Fresno. We have been nurturing the health of over 500,000 patients for over 20 years and are adept at helping both English and Spanish-speaking families.
At CMCFresno, we understand the importance of accessibility. That’s why we accept all Medi-Cal and commercial insurances for our sports physicals and have extended our hours. With multiple locations nearby, we aim to provide added convenience for patients gearing up for the sports season.
Once you secure an appointment, the clinic staff will likely provide downloadable forms to fill out. These documents may include medical history, physical evaluation, medical eligibility, and other forms. Alternatively, you can access some of these forms on the American Academy of Pediatrics website.
Remember to bring your child’s insurance details and immunization card. Choose loose-fitting clothes so the pediatrician can comfortably assess your child.
Before the appointment, talk to your teenager or toddler about the sports physical. You can help soothe any anxiety they may have about the visit. Consider offering rewards for good behavior, such as their favorite treat or a trip to a sports gear shop.
Get your child’s safety journey started with a quick sports check-up. By scheduling a sports exam, you empower your child to fully enjoy fall sports, having completed a comprehensive assessment, including a thorough medical history review, expert counseling, and the bonus of avoiding unnecessary ER trips.
Set up an appointment now for your sports physical! Reach out to our pediatricians at Children’s Medical Centers of Fresno by dialing (559) 455-1500 or clicking the Book an Appointment button for personalized advice on nutrition, hydration, and injury prevention.
