Is It a Cold, the Flu, or Covid?
December is prime time for seasonal respiratory viruses. As a parent, are you ready to identify the health concerns surrounding your child and other family members from cold, flu, or Covid-19? We’re here to help.
How Does a Sports Physical Differ From an Annual Checkup?
The fancy name is a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE), but you probably know it better as a sports physical if you have a child or teen involved in organized sports at school or in a league. The PPE is often a requirement of enrollment.
There are differences between an annual checkup and a sports physical, but they’re also often similar enough that you can combine the two in a single appointment. Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon MD, performs both as well as treating pediatric sports injuries.
So how does a sports physical differ from an annual checkup? We’ve prepared today’s blog to answer this question for you.
Components of a sports physical
There’s much in common in the structure of annual checkups and sports physicals. We’ll review medical history since your child’s last visit, and we’ll perform a general physical exam that includes vital signs and medical statistics, such as:
- Height and weight
- Pulse
- Blood pressure
- Checking the heart and lungs with a stethoscope
- Observations of overall health, coordination, and development
A sports physical has a narrower perspective than an annual checkup. Dr. Tandon is watching for anything that might make a sport unsuitable or difficult for your young athlete. A checkup has a wider scope, encompassing all aspects of your child’s health and wellness.
The importance of a sports physical
The state of California requires PPE as a precursor for student athlete involvement in school sports. Simply, this means if your child wants to play a sport, they’ll need a sports physical before they’ll be allowed to participate in school athletic events.
When your child has a minor medical condition or when they’ve been injured in the past, a sports physical assures that they’re ready to play and that their conditions or injuries won’t interfere or raise a risk of further injuries.
For instance, many children with asthma successfully play sports, but they may need a revised asthma treatment plan to protect against on-the-field episodes.
What to expect after a sports physical
There are three potential outcomes after a sports physical. Your child may be cleared for participation. Dr. Tandon deems that they’re ready and physically capable of playing their chosen sport without risk.
Sometimes, there may be a requirement before your child is cleared, such as prescription safety glasses if your child requires corrective lenses.
Finally, in rare cases your child might not be cleared for participation due to a physical limitation that makes their chosen sport too risky for their current condition.
At the end of the sports physical, Dr. Tandon completes a sports physical form, listing the child’s status and any necessary requirements for participation. This form is then submitted to the school or their assigned athletic staff.
Book your child’s PPE by contacting Dr 2 Kids, Dr. Smita Tandon MD, at her Fountain Valley, California, office by phone or online today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Which Childhood Vaccines Are Optional?
The way our immune system works is complex and not easily understood. In the United States, we’re well protected from diseases that are still spreading in other parts of the world. Trying to choose optional vaccines for your child is dangerous.
How to Guard Against Asthma Attacks
Controlling childhood asthma centers around controlling exposure to asthma triggers, as well as managing the medications that improve breathing. Knowing your child’s triggers is the best way to guard against asthma attacks.
My Child Has a Sore Throat, But is it Strep?
Sore throats are common, often caused by the same viruses that give your child cold and flu symptoms. Not all infections have viral origins though, and the streptococci bacteria also can cause sore throats, commonly called strep throat.
Does an Early Diagnosis of Autism Improve Symptoms?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents as deficits in communication skills and social interactions. Symptoms can emerge in infancy or later in your child’s life. Early treatment provides your child with a better long-term outlook.
My Child Has Sore Throats Frequently: Should They Have Their Tonsils Removed?
While the tonsils are an important part of your child’s developing immune system, they can also be the site of recurring throat infections. There are more options than routine tonsillectomy in contemporary practice.