5 Reasons Your Child Needs a Physical Exam This Summer
With summer in full swing, many American families are gearing up for another season of outdoor fun. Whether your child is heading off to summer camp or joining a youth sports team, it’s important to ensure that their health is in good standing before the start of their activities. That’s where a physical exam comes into play. A comprehensive physical exam ensures that your child is healthy and able to participate in activities at camp and on the field. Read on to find out the five reasons you should get your child a physical this summer.
1. Evaluates Your Child’s Overall Health and Wellness
A physical exam serves as a valuable opportunity to thoroughly evaluate your child’s overall health. During the exam, a healthcare provider will take note of your child’s medical history and record any history of illness in the family. The remainder of the exam is devoted to checking vitals such as heart rate and blood pressure, charting your child’s growth and assessing their major body systems such as the lungs, eyes, heart and musculoskeletal system. This comprehensive evaluation gives the provider an opportunity to diagnose any underlying health conditions that may have gone undetected, which can help prevent more significant complications down the road.
2. Fulfills A Requirement for Camp and Youth Sports Leagues
Many summer camps and youth sports leagues require a physical exam before a child can be enrolled in the program. This requirement serves as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all participants. In order to provide your child with the appropriate support and care, camps and youth sports leagues need to have an updated medical record on file so that they can be aware of any medical conditions, allergies or specific health needs.
3. Helps Prevent Sports-Related Injuries
For children joining a youth sports league, a physical exam ensures that participants are ready and able to take on the physical demands of the sport. Health complications such as an undiagnosed heart condition, joint issues or asthma can be exacerbated by strenuous physical activity. A comprehensive physical exam is an effective way to assess your child’s fitness level and identify any conditions that could potentially increase their risk of injury.
4. Ensures Your Child’s Immunization Record Is Up to Date
During the exam, a healthcare provider will typically review your child’s immunization record to ensure that they are up to date on their required vaccines. Sports teams and camps often have specific immunization requirements to help prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases. Staying on top of immunizations protects not only your child but also their bunkmates and team members, which helps mitigate the spread of any diseases.
5. Establishes A Health Baseline for Your Child
Routine physical exams are crucial to establishing a health baseline for your child. This baseline helps accurately track your child’s growth and development. More importantly, it gives healthcare providers the information they need to flag any changes or trends that might indicate underlying health issues like hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies.
Get Your Child’s Summer Physical for Only $30
Routine physical exams help safeguard your child’s well-being. By making it a priority to get your child a comprehensive physical every 12 months, you can help them stay healthy and continue to thrive. Take advantage of our special summer promotion and get your child’s school, sports or camp physical for only $30. With over 45 locations open daily across Northwest Indiana and Illinois, get summer-ready at Midwest Express Clinic! Find urgent care near you at midwestexpressclinic.com/locations.
