Home >  Information A-Z >  All Kids Information Articles >  Sports Physicals

Sports Physicals

Every parent knows that their children should get medical check-ups once a year. These routine physicals assess your child's development and check for routine ailments such as high blood pressure and diabetes. What most parents do not, however, is how important it is for their children to get a sports physical before engaging in any sports activity. According to experts, over half a million kids are seen for sports related injuries each year. The most injuries are obtained from sports such as football, baseball and basketball. If your child will be playing a sport during the school year, even a sport that sounds harmless such as swimming or golf, it is best to have them thoroughly checked by their pediatrician before practice starts. Even if you feel as though your child is healthy and doesn't need a physical, many schools now require them for all children enrolled in a school sponsored sport.

By giving your child a sports physical, doctors can screen for different conditions that they may not look for in a routine physical. During a sports physical doctors look for any conditions that may be aggravated by increase physical exertion. Doctors can also discuss sports safety with your child and recommend fitness exercise that will condition your child's body for the demands of their particular sport.

A sports physical may entail a number of things, but the most common procedures include:

• A review of your child's medical and family history

• An asthma test

• A muscle and joint health assessment

• A blood pressure check

• The check of any old sprains or injuries

Your doctor can also give you and your child tips on ways to prevent sports injuries or at least on how to reduce their severity if your child should happen to get hurt. Some common tips include:

• Having a doctor exam your child for any medical conditions that may be worsened by physical exertion.

• Explaining any special moves or body positions that your child will be required to perform to your doctor so that he or she can explain the safest way to execute them to your child.

• Teaching your child warm-up and cool-down exercises and stretches. These stretches can prepare a child's muscles for activity and reduce the chance of injury.

• Teach your child to stop any activity if it causes them pain. If the pain is intense, doesn't go away after a short while, or is unlike any pain they have experienced before, they should be taken to the emergency room or urgent care center right away.

Even if your child receives a sports physical at the beginning of the school year and also follows all of the safety rules, their chances of becoming injured in a game are still present, especially if your child is engaged in a rough contact sport such as soccer. If your child is injured, it is very important that you require them to follow all of their doctor's instructions and that you do not allow them to play again until their doctor approves it. After the injury completely heals, it is best to watch that area for the first few games since an injury can permanently weaken an area and make it more susceptible to repeated injuries in the future.

Copyright 2010. All educational materials are the sole property of Kid First Internet and are available for the benefit of our parents. Duplication or use of any material requires the express consent of Kids First Internet.




Browse information articles by category:

Babies
Toddlers
Kids
Health and Safety
Nutrition and Feeding
Bathing
Behavior and Discipline
Diapers and Potty Training
Playtime activities and toys
Clothing
Napping and Nighttime

View All Articles

Kids Bedding Information Center:

Nursery and Crib Safety
Allergy Information
Kids Bedding Gift Giving
Bedding Themes
Crib and Nursery Sizes
Typical Prices
Bedding Production
Cleaning
Materials and Fabrics
Boys Bedding and Girls Bedding

Kids and Baby Bedding Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best kids bedding brands? A look at some of the best kids bedding sets.

What comes in the different crib and nursery sets? Know exactly what you are ordering - before you order.

How do I choose the perfect kids bedding gift? Here are three simple rules for picking out a wonderful kids bedding or baby bedding set!

How can I create a safe nursery? A short article on safety and kids bedding and baby bedding.

How do I clean my kids bedding? Tips and directions to make your kids bedding set last forever.

How long does it take for my kids bedding purchase to arrive? Read about why it is important to order kids bedding several weeks in advance.

Why buy kids bedding or baby bedding online? Learn why we can offer the best prices on kids bedding.