It’s that time of year again: spring sports are beginning, and that is great news! Whether your child is hitting the field at Westside or City Park Elementary or Athens City Middle, he or she will definitely still need a sports physical before the competition can begin. But, why?

Our AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN team explains why sports physicals are necessary below, so read on!

What Is a Sports Physical?

In the sports medicine field, a sports physical exam is known as a preparticipation physical examination (PPE). The exam helps determine whether or not it’s safe for your child to participate in a certain sport by inquiring about his or her medical history and requiring a passed physical exam.

The medical history questions are usually quite extensive, so we’ve listed the usual info most medical centers will need below so you can get an idea.

Common Medical History Questions

• Serious illnesses among family members
• Illnesses that your child currently has or had when he or she was younger, such as asthma, diabetes or epilepsy
• Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
• Allergies (to insect bites, for example)
• Past injuries, including concussions, sprains or bone fractures
• Whether your child has ever passed out, felt dizzy, had chest pain or had trouble breathing during exercise
• Any medications that your child is on, including things like over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements and prescription medications

Why Does My Child Need a Sports Physical?

Sports physicals are important because they can help you find out about and deal with health problems that might interfere with your child’s participation in a sport.

For instance, if your child has frequent asthma attacks but is considering playing soccer, a doctor might be able to prescribe a different type of inhaler or adjust the dosage so that he or she can breathe more easily when running. If you are concerned your child might not pass the physical examination portion of a sports physical, we’ve listed what doctors usually check below.

Components of Physical Exam

• Record height and weight
• Take blood pressure and pulse
• Vision test
• Check heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose and throat
• Evaluate posture, joints, strength and flexibility

Remember, sports physicals are important, and they’re actually required in the state of Tennessee! So, stop in AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN today for your child’s sports physical.