Planning ahead for your child's pre-participation sports exam

Dr. Cal Morrow, Uinta Medical Group
Posted 5/11/17

Local column from Cal Morrow, M.D.

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Planning ahead for your child's pre-participation sports exam

Posted

As the school year comes to a close, many of our children are looking forward to summer camps and sports activities. Almost all of these activities will require a pre-participation physical examination. A comprehensive exam helps determine if it’s safe for your child to participate in a certain sport or attend overnight camps.

In addition, this visit with a physician gives parents and kids an opportunity to ask questions regarding health concerns related to their chosen activity.

A pre-participation physical exam typically includes a review of your child’s medical history and a general assessment of their physical health. During this exam, a nurse or certified medical assistant will record height and weight, obtain vital signs and perform a vision test.

Next, the physician or other healthcare provider will evaluate your child’s major body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, etc.) and assess general physical conditioning including posture, strength, joint health and flexibility.

Finally, the physician or healthcare provider will discuss any chronic medical conditions specific to your child and the chosen activity — examples of this include possible changes to asthma medications or a diabetes regimen or discussing a sensible weight management plan.

The State of Wyoming has recently changed the date from when pre-participation physical exams can apply to the following school year to May 1, meaning that exams performed on or after this date will not only allow for summer participation but will remain valid for the upcoming school year as well.

My colleagues and I at Uinta Medical Group will offer a special morning clinic from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 13, to make it more convenient for busy, working families to get their children in for a pre-participation exam in plenty of time for summer sports, camps and Scouting.

This is a great opportunity for both new and established families to get their young athletes and Scouts prepared for all of their upcoming activities. Appointments can be made by calling (307) 789-WELL (9355). Of course, walk-ins are always welcome. For every exam we perform, we will donate $10 to your child’s school athletic program or the local Scout program.

According to the American Heart Association and countless medical studies, children who do not participate in regular physical activity and exercise are far more likely to become inactive, sedentary and unhealthy adults compared to their active counterparts. Lack of regular physical activity as a child greatly increases the risk of adult obesity as well as hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes.

The best way for parents to protect their children against future disease is to promote good dietary habits and an active lifestyle as early as possible. Every child can find a sport or physical activity that they will enjoy, so get them signed-up, get them examined and get them moving.