If your child is thinking about attending a summer camp or playing a sport while school’s out, you’ve probably been told they need to get a physical. Getting a physical for your child is an added step to your busy schedule, we get it, but it’s important not to skip past it! Sports physicals will help keep your kid happy and healthy during their summer fun.
Review Health Status
During a sports physical, your child’s doctor will do an overview of their current health status. This will let you and the camp or sports coordinators know if your child is healthy enough to enjoy the activities they have planned.
Then, the sports or camp coordinators will have all the time they need to adjust the activities to meet your child’s needs. If your child has any specific health issues or immediate risks, this is the perfect time to bring them up! Your child will be brought up to date on all their immunizations too. Without a review of their current health status, you may be sending your child away with a higher likelihood of injury and illness.
Discuss Medical History
A sports physical is also the time to discuss the medical history of your child. For asthma and allergy sufferers, additional treatment may be needed before they start with their plans for summer fun. You’ll have the opportunity to refill all your child’s medications and get the scripts you may need for new ones too. This is the perfect time for your child to get a better understanding of their own medical history, so they’re aware of the potential dangers while they’re away.
Get Safety Tips
Finally, the physician will help teach your child how to be safe during the summer. They’ll be able to share training tips to prevent injury, dehydration, and illness. Your child will then be able to share those tips with all the other kids at camp too!
Getting a sports physical for your child is vital to their safety, as well as the safety of their peers. Sports physicals can be done through a pediatrician, walk-in clinic, or urgent care. It’s a quick and easy process that will give you confidence your child will return home safe and sound! Most insurance companies even cover the cost of a yearly sports physical. If you have any questions, ask your child’s camp or sports coordinator about why they require sports physicals!
