If your child wants to play sports during the school year, it’s time to schedule their sports physical.

School is already in session and you may be feeling like the whirlwind of getting your kids ready for another school year has finally started to settle down. If your child really wants to play sports this year have you already gotten a sports physical? If not then it’s time you called Carolina Kids Pediatrics, your Raleigh, NC pediatricians.

What does a sports physical entail?

During your child’s appointment, we will go through their entire medical history. This includes questions about:

• serious illnesses among family members
• illnesses that kids had when they were younger or may have now, such as asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy
• previous hospitalizations or surgeries
• allergies (to insect bites, for example)
• past injuries (including concussions, sprains, or bone fractures)
• whether the child has ever passed out, felt dizzy, had chest pain, or had trouble breathing during exercise
• any medications taken (including over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and prescription medications)

We will also perform a thorough physical examination. During the physical part of the exam, the doctor will usually:

• record height and weight
• take a blood pressure and pulse (heart rate and rhythm)
• test your child's vision
• check the heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat
• evaluate your child's posture, joints, strength, and flexibility

Getting a sports physical about 6 weeks before the sports season begins allows enough time to follow up on something, if necessary. If the sports physical is the day before baseball practice starts and it turns out there's something that needs to be taken of care of, there may not be adequate time for rehabilitation to occur.

Many schools require students to undergo an annual physical exam from their Raleigh children’s doctor in order to provide clearance and insure that they are up to date on health screening and immunizations. In addition, children will need a sports physical if they want to participate in any team sports. These regular exams are crucial because it allows our Raleigh children’s doctor to address important health issues with both your child and you.

Carolina Kids Pediatrics is here to make sure that children get the school and the sports physicals they need. If your child hasn’t had their sports physical this year call our Raleigh, NC pediatric doctors office today and schedule an appointment.
For more information on sports physicals, check out:
http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sports-physical.html#