Tips for Preparing for a Sports Physical

With a new school year just around the corner, it’s time to think about your child’s next sports physical. While you might have a lot on your plate, this is an essential task if your child will be participating in any athletic activities over the coming year. If this is your child’s first time having a physical, there are many things you can do to prepare.

The Purpose of a Sports Physical

Sports physicals are done to ensure your child can play sports safely. Also called a preparticipation physical exam (PPE), this involves reviewing a child’s medical history and doing a physical exam. It’s used to find medical problems such as congenital heart defects, asthma, and concussions that might make it unsafe for a child to play sports.

Complete Paperwork Early

One of the ways to prepare early for a sports physical is by filling out paperwork before the appointment. Make sure all the school documents are already ready before you head to the physical.

Speak to Your Child

Kids can be shy about communicating health issues with doctors. Having a conversation before the appointment can be useful. Take down notes and bring those to the physical exam. A few things to ask about include:

• Family history – Note down any important incidents from the family medical history. If someone has died suddenly before the age of 50, note that and how the death occurred.
• Medical history – Any health issues your child has should also be known, whether these include allergies, heart issues, or seizures. You should also make sure you know about any major injuries the child has sustained.
• Breathing – Speak with your child and ask about whether they’ve had any breathing issues. This is especially important if the problem is present while playing sports, hiking, or running.
• Vision – Check whether your child has trouble seeing things, either close up or far away. If the child has contacts or glasses, bring those along to the physical.

Get Things Done Early to Avoid Delays

During the physical, the doctor will take all your information and do the exam. This will be followed by determining if the child is cleared to play sports and which ones. If health issues are present, you may be required to see a specialist or have a follow-up.

If you haven’t scheduled a sports physical for your child this year, get in touch with their primary care physician or pediatrician to schedule one. Make sure your child can play the sports they love with a clean bill of health.