Why Are Sports and School Physicals Important Before School Starts?

The fall sports season is around the corner and it is time to schedule your annual physical. Did you know that more than 57% of high school students participate in at least one sport?

This means that millions of students are set to play fall sports such as football and soccer. In the medical community, this results in a mad rush to get physicals in during late August.

Do not wait to get your fall sports physical scheduled. Read on to learn why school physicals are so important. Explore how physical exams and medical screenings can detect potential issues in young athletes.

What Is a Sports Physical?

Before diving into its value, it is important to understand what back-to-school physicals are. Here, a medical doctor takes a comprehensive look at a student’s physical and mental health.

Medical professionals start the process by reviewing the student’s history. This includes any existing issues or disclosures of family medical history.

For example, the student may disclose that there is a history of heart disease in their family. As a result, the doctor may refer the student to a cardiologist for an EKG and other heart-related testing.

Once the visit starts, the doctor performs a physical health screening. They are going to carefully inspect the student’s muscles, joints, and bones.

The doctor also checks the child’s lungs and vision. Blood pressure, heartbeat, and pulse are two other important items to monitor.

Many doctors are also adding a mental health screening to the child’s physical. Today, students are under a lot of pressure to perform academically and athletically. For many, it takes an enormous toll and mental health issues emerge due to these pressures.

According to a U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) study, roughly 1 in 5 students have a mental health disorder. This figure has increased due to modern challenges like cyberbullying and the Covid-19 pandemic.

A mental health screening can identify feelings of depression and anxiety. Now, the child can receive the help that they need.

What Are the Risks of Delaying a Sports Physical?

Many people wait until the last minute to schedule their sports physicals. This is a mistake for many different reasons.

For starters, your child cannot participate in school sports without a proper physical. If the medical office cannot get you in promptly, your child may miss the start of their season.

Also, sports physicals are an important tool in preventative medicine. In many cases, the doctor identifies a potential medical issue before it becomes a larger problem. Identifying a health issue early allows your child to correct the root cause and get better.

Your Guide to School Physicals

You are now ready to promptly schedule your Missouri sports physical with Compass Health Network. The fall season will be here before you know it.

Make sure to get on the doctor’s calendar before appointments are booked through September. Not only is it a prerequisite for playing school sports, but also an important medical tool for preventative care.

If you are looking to schedule a school physical, contact us today to get on the calendar.