Sports are a vital part of life for many children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children who play sports are usually healthier and excel more in school compared to those who don’t. They’re likewise less likely to turn to illegal substances and develop depression. However, it’s equally crucial to ensure the safety of children when playing sports.
To help ensure your child’s safety, your child’s school will require annual sports physicals. Here at Children’s Physicians, our pediatricians in our Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Jupiter, FL, and Palm City, FL, offer sports physicals to screen children for potential issues when playing sports.
Why Annual Sports Physicals Are Vital
Sports physicals, also called PPEs or pre-participation physical exams, essentially determine whether it’s safe for children to engage in or play a specific sport. During the examination, your pediatrician will screen for potential risk factors that could result in issues when playing a certain sport. For example, if your child has asthma, your pediatrician can assess whether your child’s current management plan will suffice or if it needs some modifications to ensure your child’s safety when playing.
In any case, your pediatrician could advise your child on how to safely improve athletic performance and avoid sports injuries. Take note, though, that sports physicals are typically less extensive than yearly physical examinations with your pediatrician.
They won’t cover other vital areas like vaccinations, wellness, developmental health, and risk factors for illnesses. This means that you must continue visiting your pediatrician in our Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Jupiter, FL, or Palm City, FL, office for annual well-child checkups.
What to Expect During a Sports Physical
A standard sports physical comprises two parts. The first part is the thorough medical history review, and the second part is the actual physical examination. The medical history review will help your pediatrician determine the most pertinent issues that might put your kid at risk, so make sure that your kid’s medical history is updated and correct.
During the actual physical examination, your pediatrician will take essential measurements like weight and height. Your pediatrician will likewise check your child’s lungs, heart, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system. Depending on your child’s age, your pediatrician may also discuss the dangers of performance-enhancing substances and weight loss aids.
Reach Out to Us To Learn More About Sports Physicals
Book a consultation here at Children’s Physicians with one of our pediatricians by calling our Palm Beach Gardens, FL, office at (561) 626-4000, Jupiter, FL, office at (561) 743-9000, or our Palm City, FL, office at (772) 219-4444.