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School is out, and with all of the fun and activity of summer break, it can be easy to forget that fall sports are right around the corner. Whether it’s football, soccer, or cross country, if your child needs a sports physical to play this fall, now is the time to schedule their exam.
Your child’s school sports physical ensures that they’re healthy, safe, and ready to compete. At Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland, our team recommends scheduling the exam now to avoid a last-minute rush and to give your child enough time to complete all necessary tests and follow-ups.
The sports physical, also called the preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE), isn’t about whether your child can play sports, but about how they can play safely. Exercise is good for everyone, and team sports help kids establish healthy activity habits early on.
The purpose of the sports physical is to identify any potential issues that may affect your child’s health and safety while playing and create a plan that supports their performance and well-being.
Sports physicals are important for all kids, but especially so for kids with chronic health conditions like asthma or diabetes. Despite the common misconception, having a chronic health issue like asthma doesn’t disqualify a child from play.
In fact, exercise and playing sports benefits their medical condition and overall health. But they may need to make adjustments to their usual treatment plan, which a PPE can help with.
The sports physical is similar to your child’s annual physical exam, but with a stronger focus on athletic readiness. During a sports physical at Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland, we assess key areas related to sports, including:
We also look for medical issues that may require further evaluation, treatment, or clearance before participation. If needed, we may recommend additional tests or refer your child to specialists.
Scheduling your child’s sports physical now is the smartest way to ensure a smooth start to the school sports season. Appointments fill up quickly as the first day of school approaches, and a last-minute appointment may not leave enough time for additional tests and treatment if needed.
Making the appointment in July also means less stress later, and it frees up your time when the busy back-to-school season hits. Plus, the physical is good for one full year, so your child is covered for fall, winter, and spring sports.
Don’t wait until the end of summer to cross your child’s sports physical off of the back-to-school list. Call our office in Midland, Michigan, today or book an appointment online. A sports physical now ensures your child can start their fall season safe and ready to play.