Well Child Exams and Sports Physicals Are Important for Children and Athletes T T

REGULARLY SCHEDULED WELL CHILD VISITS CAN KEEP YOUR CHILD ON TRACK WITH VACCINATIONS AND ADDRESS AGE-APPROPRIATE HEALTH ISSUES

WORDS : SANFORD HEALTH

he sports physical focuses on your well-being as it relates to playing a sport. A well child exam is much more comprehensive and includes reviewing immunization records, medical history and family history. The well child exam also qualifies as a sports physical. The provider also discusses behaviors, school issues and proper nutrition with the child.

Why do annual well child visits

“A regular check-up for a child under the age of 18 is often referred to as a ‘well child visit,’” says Dr. Bonnie Kvistad, a pediatrics physician for Sanford Children’s. “These visits help ensure that infants, children and teens are getting the proper care they need to stay healthy. They give the provider, parents and child an opportunity to talk about nutrition, safety, immunizations and many important age-appropriate topics.” a physical is needed is mandated by each state. It is recommended that these checkups be completed six weeks prior to the start of either the school or activity season that your child is participating in. This six-week period allows time for any additional check-ins needed that may stem from this physical appointment. That may include therapy for an injury that is yet to be fully healed and could possibly limit the child from performing at full health and put them at a greater risk to re-injure themselves.

What a sports & activity physical will check for

The well child exam is important from newborns up to the age of 18. Dr. Bonnie Kvistad sees children of all ages and discusses parents’ questions about their child.

Immunizations are one of the best, most effective ways to keep you and your family healthy and protected from dangerous illnesses. Ask your physician what your child may need.

When a sports or activities physical is needed

Most young people require a sports physical before they can take part in school athletics or activities — at least when the season is predictable. Dr. Jason Sharp, a physician with Sanford Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Fargo advises that before school starts again, it’s a good idea to schedule a physical for fall sports and activities. “We conduct the regular physical exam, and we also ask specifically about any history of cardiac conditions or heart tests,” he says. “After this past year, we ask more questions focusing on the cardiac and pulmonary perspective. Such as, were you ever diagnosed with COVID and have you experienced any issues when you returned to the sport?”

Autumn Nelson, a family nurse practitioner with Sanford Health in Fargo, offers the following helpful tips for parents. The requirement for when and how often

During the check-in, a nurse or provider will check for several items with an overall goal of understanding the well-being of the child to perform any physical activity. Past medical history is assessed first to be aware of any past illness or surgeries, along with any past injuries or concussions. This checkin will also go through basic height, weight and arm circumference to check for any concerns or abnormalities. Additionally, the appointment includes a mental health check.

“Particularly this year, athletes were isolated. They get depressed and sometimes they don’t realize what they are experiencing,” Sharp says. “I have a conversation with them and talk whether they would like more counseling or to discuss it more with their primary care provider.”

Sharp adds that now is a good time to check if your child has the appropriate athletic equipment, such as shoes that they walk and train in every single day. It can make a world of difference so they don’t get an injury in the first place.

Differences in physicals based on age

Everything that is covered at a young age remains important as a child grows. As the child ages, more in-depth questions about social history such as drug use are addressed. This is a good age to start this discussion and allow parents to be aware and children to understand the risks of their choices. At every sports and activity physical, preventive steps of a healthy lifestyle, such as eating habits and remaining active, are addressed.

What parents can take away from these appointments

If a child or parent has any questions about how to stretch a certain muscle or do a stretching routine daily at home, primary care providers are qualified to recommend this type of basic therapy.

This is also a time to check if a past injury has been fully healed. If the child is still feeling a substantial amount of pain, that is when providers refer them to a physical therapist who can go in depth into rehabbing this injury. These young athletes are also told several times that if they take any sort of strong hit to the head they should tell their parents and coaches right away so they can be evaluated for a concussion. Providers and nurses also can recommend sports gear that they think is safer than other products. They also recommend that students take advantage of athletic trainers who are on site at their school. These athletic trainers can go further into preventive gear and care, and things such as taping ankles or wrists. This is also a great time to ask any question that a parent or child may have, even if it is not related to their sport or activity.