Why Sports Physicals Are Important for A Child Athlete
If you’re raising a child athlete, chances are you’re familiar with the pre-participation physical exam (PPE) that must be conducted before your child’s sports season starts. What many parents don’t realize is that all children can benefit from a PPE or physical sports. From organized sports to running and playing during recess, kids are always in motion. Athletic physicals are specifically designed for kids in-motion and are an important component in identifying potential health issues before they become problems. So, what can you expect at your child’s yearly sports physical?
How is a sports physical different than a yearly physical?
A sports physical may encompass many of the same assessments as a yearly physical. However, sports physicals focus on whether your child is healthy enough to play a sport. Sports physicals will not only assess your child’s overall health but will also include in-depth examinations such as:
- Heart Health Examination: A heart health examination based on your pediatrician’s physical exam of your child, will evaluate your child for any signs of heart disease and high blood pressure while documenting and reviewing your family’s medical history. This exam provides peace of mind for parents and child athletes, reassuring them that it is safe to participate in athletic activity.
- Mental Health Evaluation: Many child athletes face performance pressure in sports. This can take a toll on their mental health. A mental and emotional health screening will assess whether your child athlete is experiencing any depression, anxiety, or stress related to their athletic performance.
- Female Athlete Triad: Female athletes face unique concerns in athletics due to the female athlete triad. This encompasses menstrual health, bone health, and nutrition. Female athletes are at a higher risk of experiencing bone and joint injuries than their male counterparts. Sports physicals for female athletes will focus on preventing the female athlete triad through proper diet and nutrition.
- Concussion Protocol: While concussions can occur in any sport or activity, contact sports present athletes with increased risk. It is important for you and your child to inform your pediatrician of any sustained head injuries during athletic activities, so that your medical provider can properly treat and clear your child before they return to physical activity.
When should I Schedule a sports physical for my child?
If your child plays organized sports, the best time to schedule their sports physical is 6-8 weeks before their season begins. This will give your pediatrician ample time to screen your child and ensure that any treatments or additional evaluations are complete before they begin their season. If your child does not play an organized sport, we recommend scheduling their yearly sports physical and well child visit together.
Sports physicals are more than the piece of paper that clears your child to play sports – they are a protective measure. Your child’s health, safety, and development are crucial as they grow, and sports physicals provide a foundation for a healthy and active life. If you would like to schedule your child’s yearly sports physical with Dr. Raymond Deeb, Dr. Rebecca McCoy, or Dr. Nicholas Kelly, contact Briarcliff Pediatrics today. We also invite you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, where we post health tips and updates.
