Before you schedule your child’s back-to-school physical during Back to School Week at Central Florida Health Care, Inc., here are a few key differences between a sports versus school physical.
AH, SUMMERTIME—when the days are long and life is easy for student. As the kids kick back and enjoy the break from their studies, parents are thinking of the preparations needed for the upcoming school year. If you are the parent of a new student athlete, you may be wondering the difference between a sports versus school physical. Now is a great time to go ahead and get your child’s back-to-school or sports physical done, so it’s out of the way.
Before You Take Your Child to Get a School Physical, Consider Whether a PPE is Needed
You may wonder why your child needs a sports physical in addition to their annual physical with their pediatrician. Basically, a sports physical will focus on issues relevant to athletic involvement. Also known as a preparticipation physical examination (PPE), the sports physical will focus on family medical history, the student’s medical history, allergies, previous injuries and medical conditions, and current medications.
A sports physical is designed to identify potential problems for the young athlete before they become serious issues. Your doctor may recommend certain stretches for flexibility issues, for example, or dietary changes if achieving a balanced nutrition is a concern. The goal is to help the student be ready for the challenges of the field. If a potential problem is detected, a referral to a specialist may be given.
Central Florida Health Care has 13 different locations providing health services for every stage of life. While we offer appointments for sports physicals and other pediatric services year-round, we are excited about hosting a Back to School Week this year. At all of our pediatric clinics throughout Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties, we have Back to School Week happening from July 30 to August 3. Parents that schedule and attend appointments for their child’s school and/or sports physicals, immunizations, or well-checks during Back to School Week, will receive a free school supply kit. This is a convenient way to make sure this necessary part of your child’s healthcare is taken care of without waiting to the last minute to do it.
Why wait? Schedule your child’s appointment today, and rest easy knowing that’s one less thing to do at the beginning of the school year. Sports are a great way to keep kids active and healthy, so encourage their participation by getting their physical done early. Should you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our medical team here at Central Florida Health Care, Inc. at (866) 234-8534 or visit cfhconline.org.