The Importance of School and Sports Physicals

School or sports physicals are needed for students entering certain grades or who plan to participate in athletics. Physicals ensure kids are up to date with immunizations and healthy enough to safely participate in school or athletic activities. Frank R. Baum, M.D., Inc. in Kahului, Maui, HI, offers school and sports physicals.

Purpose of School & Sports Physicals

School and sports physicals are important for several reasons. The primary purpose is to generate an assessment of overall health and wellness. If any health concerns are identified, the issue can be addressed so your child can safely participate in sports, physical education (P.E.), recess, and other school activities. Additionally, school and sports physicals provide an opportunity to ensure children and teens are current with the recommended immunizations for their age.

For kids with a chronic condition, such as asthma or certain allergies, the physical appointment is a perfect time to develop a treatment plan for managing symptoms so they do not interfere with your child’s ability to participate in sports. Dr. Baum can also recommend steps that can be taken to prevent sports-related injuries. Recommendations could include wearing a mouthguard, padding, or other protective gear, depending on the sport or activity.

What to Expect During a School or Sports Physical

Several areas of health are examined during school and sports physicals at our pediatric office. First, your child’s individual and family medical history will be reviewed, which helps identify potential health concerns that could affect your child. Second, a physical examination will be conducted. Some areas routinely assessed during the physical examination include:

• Height and weight measurements
• Heart rate or pulse
• Blood pressure
• Lungs/breathing
• Joints and muscles
• Reflexes and posture
• Ears, nose, and throat
• Immunizations
• Eyes/vision
• Urinalysis
• X-rays or ultrasounds (if needed)

For instance, bloodwork or urinalysis might not be required for younger children who simply need a school physical due to the particular grade they are entering. However, some school districts might require teens participating in sports to undergo these additional tests as part of the sports physical.

Contact Us Today

If your child needs a physical for school or to participate in athletics, we can help. Schedule an appointment with Frank R. Baum, M.D., Inc. for your kids’ school and sports physicals by calling at (808) 871-7116.