Sports And School Physicals Specialist

What is a school physical?

A school physical is a medical examination that determines whether or not your child is healthy enough to attend school. In North Carolina, each child must undergo a physical assessment within one year of entering school. Generations Family Practice also recommends annual well-child physicals to monitor your child’s health.

During your child’s school physical, their provider examines your child’s body and administers a series of tests. They evaluate your child’s:

• Blood pressure
• Heart rate
• Vision
• Height and weight
• Heart and lung health
• Posture 
• Joint strength and flexibility
• Reflexes
• Abdomen
• Ear, nose, and throat

Their doctor also reviews their immunization history to be sure they’re up to date with vaccines. They may also ask about your child’s family and personal medical history.

What is a sports or camp physical?

Every year your child plays on a school sports team or goes to camp, they must also undergo a physical exam to ensure they’re healthy enough to participate in athletics. A sports or camp physical is similar to a school physical or an annual well-child exam. 

For a sports exam, your child’s physician asks them about issues that could affect their health. Girls should be prepared to talk about how regular their periods are, for instance.

Your adolescent or teen must also honestly share information about whether they smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs. Some may be taking steroids or using protein supplements that could adversely affect their health. 

What happens after a school, camp, or sports physical?

After your child’s examination, their provider may make recommendations to improve their health or help them manage chronic conditions. For example, if your child plays sports but has asthma, their doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or medications to help manage it. 

Depending on the findings, your child’s doctor may also advise them to change their diet or habits to improve their health and optimize their athleticism. Their physician will also sign the paperwork needed to show the school or camp that your child is healthy enough to participate.

How should I schedule school, camp, or sports physicals?

You should schedule a school, camp, or sports physical at the same time you schedule your child’s annual well-child exam. That way, your insurance will cover the cost.

To set up your well-child exam to include a sports, camp, or school physical, contact the experts at Generations Family Practice in Cary, North Carolina, today by phone or online.