PREPARING FOR A SPORTS PHYSICAL

Presentation prepared by Family First Pediatrics

It’s very common and important for children to participate in physical activity while in school.

The sports physical is not just an annual

check-up to participate in school athletics.

It’s also a great opportunity to track your

child’s health and educate them on proper

diet and fitness techniques.

The main purpose of the sports

physical is to identify if there are any

medical muscular conditions that

might make participation in a

particular sport unsafe for your

child. 

The physical will also screen for any

undetected health problems. If your child

has suffered from a prior injury, this

screening helps to ensure they have been

properly treated and rehabilitated so that

your child is not put at risk for further

injury.

During the physical

part of the exam,

the Altamonte Springs

Pediatrician will

usually record the

height and weight of

your child followed by

taking a blood

pressure and pulse

reading. 

Next, your child’s

vision, heart,

lungs, abdomen,

ears, nose, and

throat will be

checked.

Finally, the doctor

will evaluate your

child’s posture,

joints, strength,

and flexibility.

The best way to prepare for your

child’s sports physical is to

develop an accurate

medical history.

Helpful medical history information includes:

•family cardiac •history, •any history of injuries, •illness or medication use, •allergies,• immunization status, •menstrual history• any other previous, recent, or current medical conditions.

While it is very important to conduct a sports physical

for your child on an annual basis, this should not

replace an annual evaluation.

An annual evaluation offers opportunities to

evaluate social and emotional development,

discuss sensitive health matters like puberty, and

educate your child on healthy choices such as

avoiding alcohol and drugs.

If your child is interested in participating in

school sports, schedule their next physical with

an Altamonte Springs Pediatricianat Family

First Pediatrics by calling (407) 335-4760.

http://familyfirstpeds.com/