Sports physicals
Are a Good PreGame Move
Sports physicals are more than just a routine requirement—they allow physicians to
detect minor to serious underlying health issues in children and adolescents.
Summer might be a break from hectic schedules for parents
driving kids to after-school soccer practice or track meets, but
getting a jump on your athlete’s sports physicals before the
end of summer rush is something to consider.
Preparticipation physical examinations (PPEs), are an annual
requirement for playing sports in middle, high school, or
athletic organization participation in most states.
Health Issues Should be Addressed Before Sports Begin,
according to Michael Austen, MD, medical director of the
Urgent Care Walk-In Clinics of Manatee Physician Alliance. A
PPE is an opportunity to diagnose undetected health issues
that may put the athlete in danger if not treated prior to
sports participation.
“We sometimes find issues, such as obesity, high blood
pressure, or a heart murmur, for example. This can put your
child at risk on the field if not addressed and monitored
appropriately,” says Dr. Austen. “We do our best to evaluate
your child to help keep them safe while participating in their
sport.”
Sports Physical: What to Expect
PPEs are similar to a routine physical. They consist of a medical
history and a physical examination in which typical vital signs,
like blood pressure and heart rate are taken and vision is
checked. Findings are discussed and recommendations
are made.
“Vision is a perfect example of something that should be
addressed prior to sports participation,” says Dr. Austen.
“Athletes need to meet specific guidelines for vision. If they
don’t pass their vision test, they can’t play their sport. We can
evaluate them and get them to an eye doctor for corrective
lenses or other care, as needed.”
For Your Sports Physical, Consider an Urgent Care Location
Urgent Care Walk-In Clinics are a great place to get PPEs,
according to Dr. Austen. “We do a lot of sports physicals,”
he says, “so we are very familiar with the guidelines and
recommendations. After a busy summer break, families often
run out of time to get their child an appointment for a sports
physical with a pediatrician or primary physician.”
Urgent Care is a good alternative, according to Dr. Austen,
because the athlete can be seen right away and, hopefully, get
back to playing their sport quickly or allow parents ample time
to follow up on any health issues.
Just walk in to these locations:
Open 7 days a week with locations in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Sarasota, an
appointment is not required, but one can be made at the Urgent Care Walk-In Clinics of
Manatee Physician Alliance. PPEs are $25 for grades K through 12.
manateeurgentcare.com
Member of Manatee Physician Alliance
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Bradenton
4647 Manatee Ave W.
941.745.5999
Sarasota
6272 Lake Osprey Dr.
941.907.2800
Lakewood Ranch
9908 S.R. 64 East
941.747.8600
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