How to Minimize Your Baby's Risk of Allergies
Millions of American children have allergies, but there are steps you can take early in life to help prevent them. This article highlights simple ways to lower your baby’s allergy risk.
The Best Time to Schedule Sports Physicals (And Why It Matters)
Sports physicals are one of the most common requirements for kids and teens who want to play in school or community-based sports leagues. These routine checkups assess your child’s overall health and screen for potential issues that could increase the risk of an accident or injury.
With so much going on, putting your child’s sports physical on the back burner can be easy. However, the right timing can save you hassle and help minimize stress.
At Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics, our expert pediatricians perform sports physicals for children and teens. Learn why timing this pre-season step right matters for you and your child.
When is the best time to schedule a sports physical?
Ideally, the best time to schedule a sports physical for your child or teen is before the season starts. In fact, many schools and sports leagues require this step before children can participate.
We typically encourage parents to make an appointment about four to six weeks before the start of a new season. Depending on your child’s sport, this might mean scheduling in late spring or early summer to meet the deadline and avoid a last-minute rush.
Once your child passes their physical and receives a certificate from their doctor, the document is usually valid for 12 months, so you don’t have to worry about scheduling more than one sports physical per year.
Why timing matters
Properly timing your child’s sports physical might seem unnecessary, but it can make a big difference. For example, if we identify an underlying health condition, like a heart abnormality, we’ll have time to run additional tests. That way, we can ensure your child is able to participate safely.
At the same time, it presents an opportunity to assess your child’s general well-being. If they’ve missed any immunizations or other necessary screenings, we can complete those at the same time, saving you hassle and providing peace of mind.
Scheduling this annual exam early guarantees your child won’t miss the deadline. After all, if their paperwork has expired or isn’t complete, they might have to sit on the sidelines while all their friends participate.
Simple tips for scheduling and preparing
Before scheduling your child’s next sports physical, gather all the necessary documentation, including any paperwork from their school, relevant medical records, and results from any recent tests or screenings. Also, bring a list of the prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications your child regularly takes.
Next, try to schedule your child’s appointment several weeks before the start of the upcoming sports season. We tend to get very busy during the pre-season rush, so making the appointment in advance can help you beat the crowd.
Finally, tell us about any specific sports-related risks your child may have or that you’re concerned about. For example, if they have a history of ankle sprains or need glasses to see clearly, it’s important we’re aware. We may be able to make recommendations to minimize injuries on the court or playing field.
Contact us if your child needs a sports physical
If your child is preparing for a new sports season in a few weeks, schedule their annual sports physical as soon as possible. We love providing this service to children and teens, and our goal is to help them have a successful, injury-free season. Contact Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics in Atlanta, Georgia, today. Call our office or use the online booking feature to get started.
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