ORLANDO, Fla. – As students across Florida begin the new school year, doctors are reminding families that sports physicals are not just a requirement – they’re a vital part of keeping student athletes safe and healthy.
School sports physicals, also known as pre-participation physical examinations, help identify any potential health issues that could interfere with a student’s ability to safely participate in athletic activities. These exams assess everything from heart health and joint function to past injuries and family medical history.
“Sports physicals help prevent injuries and ensure our students are physically ready for the demands of their sport,” said Dr. Duron Lee, primary care physician with HCA Florida Primary Care at UCF Lake Nona Hospital. “Sports physicals also provide an opportunity to catch underlying health conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed.”
An important consideration is heart health. Sudden cardiac arrest, although low in probability, remains the leading cause of death among young athletes. Underlying, typically undiagnosed heart problems are the most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest in a young athlete. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, electrocardiogram screenings will be a requirement for high school athletes in Florida.
“At HCA Florida Healthcare, we encourage parents and student athletes to inform their doctor and coach if the family has a prior history of heart-related conditions, fainting or seizures, especially during exercise,” said Dr. Lee. “Parents and coaches should also be mindful of teens who say they are experiencing extreme fatigue, severe shortness of breath, lightheadedness, chest pain, severe nausea or dizziness.”
In Florida, student athletes are required to complete a sports physical annually before participating in school-sponsored sports.
“Participation in school sports offers tremendous physical, emotional, and social benefits,” said Dr. Lee. “Together, we can make sure our students start the season strong—and safe.”
For more information about what to expect during school sports physicals and why they are important, visit HCA Florida Healthcare’s Healthy Living blog.
Provided by HCA Healthcare