Choose Bronson for Your Child's Sports Physical
For school-aged kids, an annual physical is required before they can participate in any sport or afterschool activity. Spring and early summer is the perfect time to schedule these exams, long before summer vacations get in the way and appointments at the pediatrician's office fill up!
Not all physicals are created equally. At Bronson, our team of pediatricians and family care providers goes the extra mile to ensure your child is safe and healthy to get in the game!
Why Are Sports Physicals Important?
There are several benefits to having a sports physical, including:
- Making sure that the athlete’s body can handle the demands of a particular sport
- Identifying any potential health risks such as a heart condition or high blood pressure
- Receiving additional follow-up and final clearance on past injuries, such as a concussion
How Is a Sports Physical Different Than a Regular Check-Up?
In general, a sports physical is focused directly on athletic issues. They can be complete at a variety of locations, ranging from a walk-in clinic or urgent care, to your pediatrician's office. Additionally, some schools offer Sport Physical Events, where healthcare providers come to the school and complete quick assessments on-site for several athletes.
The purpose sports physicals is to determine what level of play and what sports are appropriate for the athlete. In this type of exam, athletes are evaluated for:
- Height and weight
- Blood pressure and pulse
- Vision and hearing
- Walking and posture
- Muscle strength
The problem with this, however, is that overall wellness may not be addressed. At Bronson, we understand that being healthy enough to play a sport is about more than just the ability of your body to move and perform well. It is important to be aware of the full scope of health. Could your child be showing signs of asthma or some other respiratory concern? Could they be showing signs of a developmental concern that should be addressed. These are the types of things a child's pediatrician is always on the lookout for.
When Is the Best Time for a Sports Physical?
The Michigan High School Athletic Association requires an up-to-date sports physical for all students who will participate in athletics during the school year. In preparation for the new school year, many parents wait until late-July and early-August to schedule exams for their athletes. Many offices are full at this time, making it difficult to complete the sports physical.
We suggest scheduling your athlete's sports physical/well-child visit early in the summer months, like June and July.
Where Can I Take My Child for a Sports Physical?
The best option for completing your child’s sports physical is through their primary care provider. As discussed above, appointments typically fill up fast as we approach a new school year, so be sure to plan ahead to avoid the last minute rush.
If your child doesn’t currently have a primary care provider, there are several convenient practices in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Paw Paw and South Haven that are accepting new patients. Visit bronsonhealth.com/find-a-doctor to connect your child with a provider.
Convenient Locations Without An Appointment
Whether you have one or multiple athletes participating in events and activities we realize that your schedule can be complex. That's why we offer sports physicals without an appointment at multiple locations. You don't have to be a current Bronson patient. To get your sports physical completed as quickly as possible, choose the Bronson location that is closest to you:
Stay On Top of Your Child's Health
Annual well-child checkups serve as a time to check in on your child's growth, development and overall health.
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