Sports Physicals for School Age Kids in Coppell, Texas
Watching your child succeed on the court or on the field gives parents an enormous sense of pride. Participating in sports teaches wellness, personal responsibility, teamwork, accountability, and work ethic. If your child wants to play sports, then a sports physical for school age kids is definitely in your future. Sports physicals are essential for making sure that your child can play sports safely and stay healthy. If your child needs a sports physical in Coppell, Texas, call Dr. Moemeka at Mark9 Pediatrics today!
What Is a Sports Physical?
In sports medicine, a sports physical exam is known as a pre-participation physical exam (PPE). The purpose of the exam is to help determine if it’s safe for your child to participate in the sport of her choice. In Texas, sports physicals are required if your child wants to participate in sports.
When does my child need a sports physical?
We recommend that your child get a sports physical six weeks before the first practice begins. This gives you and Dr. Moemeka time to monitor and treat any health concerns before practice starts.
What to expect during your child’s sports physical
During your child’s sports physical, Dr. Moemeka will assess your child’s health, her medical history, and a physical exam.
Medical History
This part of the exam includes questions about:
- Family illness history
- Personal illness history (diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, etc.)
- Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
- Allergies (to insect bites, for example)
- Past injuries (including concussions, sprains, or bone fractures)
- Trouble with exertion in the past, fainting, dizziness, chest pain, or respiratory problems
- Current medications your child is on
Your personal and family medical history is a really important part of your child’s sports physical. This allows Dr. Moemeka to detect patterns of illness in your child’s past or in your family. Additionally, it helps her predict possible medical issues in order to take preemptive action.
Physical Examination
During your child’s physical exam, your pediatrician will usually:
- Assess any present medical conditions
- Perform a vision examination
- Evaluate your child’s strength, flexibility, joints, and any other structural issues that your child might be facing
- Evaluate your child’s heart health, respiratory health, abdomen, and systemic wellness
While sports physicals are largely the same for males and females, if your child has started puberty, Dr. Moemeka may have to ask your child gender-specific questions.
Depending on the age of your child, Dr. Moemeka will also ask questions regarding recreational drug use, alcohol use, or dietary supplements. Honesty during this part of the exam is vital. As your trusted pediatrician, Dr. Moemeka is not here to judge your child or your family. Instead, her primary goal is to make sure that your child lives a happy, healthy life.
At the end of your child’s physical, Dr. Moemeka will fill out and sign a medical eligibility form.
Why Is a Sports Physical Important?
Sports physicals help ensure that your child is medically fit to participate in sports. They allow Dr. Moemeka to take preemptive action and predict possible scenarios to make sure that you and your child are prepared.
Dr. Moemeka can also give you and your child advice about avoiding injuries, proper nutrition during training, strengthening exercises to help support physical progression, and how to manage puberty throughout the season.
What If There’s a Problem?
If Dr. Moemeka detects an issue or something that could be concerning, you shouldn’t be too worried about your child’s participation. Your child may require follow-up exams or appointments to monitor her health. However, it is unlikely that your child will be disqualified from playing. At Mark9 Pediatrics, we want to make sure that your child can play sports safely, not be excluded from playing.
The choice for me and my child
At Mark9 Pediatrics, your child is always our top priority. We believe that raising healthy children truly takes a village, and we are committed to making sure that you have the support you need to watch your child grow up to be a healthy adult.
If your child is ready to get on the field, don’t forget to schedule his sports physical! Call Mark9 Pediatrics today at (972) 325-2005 to schedule her sports physical to get them ready for an unforgettable season!