Fall is here and youth sports are in full swing. Staying physically active at a young age not only promotes general wellbeing, it also has brain-related health benefits and improved cognitive function and may relate to better academic performance and reduced symptoms of depression.
As a parent, it is important to encourage your child to participate in regular high endurance activities at a young age,” said Dr. Natalia Tutak, an SSM Health pediatrician in Oklahoma City. “Youth sports can help create a lifestyle of health and wellness that may last a lifetime.”
SSM Health provides sports physicals for children of all ages taking part in school sports. While specific requirements vary by schools, camps or sports associations, these examinations all provide an opportunity for clinicians to discuss important health issues with both guardians and children, and to ensure that the individual is healthy and physically prepared to perform.
Physical examinations also provide an opportunity to review the individual’s complete health history and developmental milestones and ensure your child is up-to-date with current immunization recommendations for their age.
What can I expect?
- Parents can expect their provider to check your child’s physical health. They will listen to your child’s heart and lungs, as well as check their eyes, ears, throat and abdomen. SSM Health providers will evaluate your child’s muscle strength, flexibility, reflexes and balance. Special attention will be paid to the unique demands of your child’s sport(s).
- Feel free to address any questions you may have regarding your child’s health and development. Questions can also be related to the sport that your child is participating in. For example, asthma-related questions for cross country or head related injuries in football would be relevant questions to ask your provider.
- Your child’s provider will be able to discuss sport specific safety recommendations.
What should I bring?
- Be sure to bring any documentation your child’s school or sports program requires. Additionally, it would be very helpful for your provider if you also brought any physical forms, immunization records/vaccine cards, waivers, etc. if it is not already on your child’s MyChart profile.
- Feel free to bring any sports equipment that you may need medical advice regarding, such as AEDs, splints, headgear, etc.
Where can my child receive a sports physical?
- Sports physicals are available with your SSM Health primary care provider. Call a location near you for more information and to confirm the availability of this service.
The best place to start would be with your child’s pediatrician or family medicine provider. Find a pediatrician near you.
