Sports Medicine
Sports Physicals
As your teen gears up for another exciting season of their favorite sport, it's crucial to prioritize their health and well-being. While sports offer numerous benefits for physical fitness and social development, ensuring your teen is physically prepared to participate safely is essential. That's where regular sports physicals from your pediatrician come into play. Here are seven important reasons why your teen's pediatrician should perform their pre-season sports physical:
They see the whole picture. Your teen's pediatrician serves as a central hub for their health records, ensuring continuity of care and comprehensive oversight of their medical history.
Chronic conditions. They are well-informed about the status of your child's health, including the management of conditions such as asthma, ADHD, migraines, and more.
Immunizations. Children continue to need various immunizations throughout their teen years. Your teen’s pediatrician knows exactly which ones are due and can keep them up to date at this visit.
Relationship. It's likely that your teen has built a strong rapport with their pediatrician, establishing a trusted relationship. This familiarity creates a safe and supportive environment where your teen feels comfortable discussing sensitive topics such as peer pressure, smoking, drug use, stress, and depression.
Counselling. Your teen's yearly checkup with their pediatrician goes beyond sports screenings. They address vital topics like bullying, bike helmets, seat belts, school performance, distracted driving, substance abuse, sexual development, and overall well-being, tailored to your child's stage of development.
Referrals. Your teen’s pediatrician knows when referring your child to a subspecialist is right for your teen and can help you set up the appointments. Doctors at large school-based or one-time, walk-in sports physicals often cannot directly refer to subspecialists if they have concerns.
Satisfy state requirements. As noted above, in order to meet state requirements to play sports at a middle or high school in Georgia, an athlete must complete a yearly physical. It is valid for 12 months from the date the exam was performed or until the end of the following school year (if performed after April 1).
We hope you've found this article helpful and when you’re ready to schedule your child’s sports physical, give us a call.
