You know how good playing sports is for little ones. They get healthy, they make new friends, and they learn to work together as a team. But you may not know how important it is to have a 'sports physical' before a child starts playing a sport to make sure they are healthy enough to do it safely. This is really important for their safety.
What is this (Sports Physical)? Simply put...
Simply put, a Sports Physical is a medical test that is performed before a child participates in a sport to determine if they are fit for it or if there are any health risks. Another name doctors call this is ``Preparticipation Physical Evaluation - PPE''. But let's just call it ``Sports Physical''.
The main purpose of this is to ensure that the child can safely play the sport they have chosen. Sometimes, a child may have some health problem that we are not aware of, which may arise while playing. This test helps to identify such things in advance. Just think of it, it is like having a car serviced and checking the tires before going on a long trip.
There are two main parts to this (Sports Physical):
1. Taking a medical history: This means asking about the child's and family's illnesses and previous accidents.
2. Performing a physical exam: This means the doctor examines the child.
First questions asked - You need to give accurate details! (Medical history)
This is the first and most important part of the Sports Physical. The doctor will ask you and your child a lot of questions. It is very important to be honest and not hide anything at this time. Because the doctor will have to make decisions based on this information.
These questions are usually on a form. You and your child can fill this out together. Take some time, think carefully, and answer.
Questions the doctor may ask include:
- Serious illness in the family: This means whether anyone in your family (such as mother, father, siblings, grandparents) has had heart disease, diabetes mellitus, or sudden death. Because some diseases can be hereditary.
- Current medical conditions: For example, does the child have any chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, sickle cell trait, etc.? Has the child recently been exposed to COVID-19?
- Previous hospital stays and surgeries: Has the child ever been hospitalized? Has he/she had any surgeries?
- Allergies: Do you have allergies to foods, medications, or things like insect bites?
- Previous accidents: Have you ever had concussions, sprains, or fractures while playing sports or at other times?
- Exercise-related discomfort: Have you ever fainted while exercising, running, or jumping? Have you had chest pain? Have you had difficulty breathing? Have you felt dizzy?
- Medications: Does the child take any medications? This includes not only prescription medications, but also over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary supplements.
- Specific questions to ask boys and girls: Boys can be asked about testicle pain. Girls can be asked about their monthly periods and if there are any problems with them.
- Lifestyle: The doctor may also ask if you smoke, vape, drink alcohol, use drugs, take diet pills, or take performance-enhancing supplements – especially steroids. Telling the truth about these is very important for your child's safety.
Remember, these questions are not to judge you, but to help your child play safely.
Next is the physical examination.
After listening to the information you provide, the doctor will examine your child. This is called a physical examination. During this, the doctor will usually look for the following:
- Height and weight: Check to see if the child's height and weight are appropriate for their age.
- Blood Pressure and Pulse: The child's blood pressure is measured, as well as the pulse rate and rhythm.
- Vision: This will check how your eyesight is. Good vision is essential for some sports.
- Heart, lungs, stomach, ears, nose, throat: The stethoscope is used to listen to the heart and lungs. The stomach is examined. The ears, nose, and throat are also checked for any infections.
- Posture, joints, strength and flexibility: The child's spine and body posture are checked. The joints of the limbs are functioning properly, the strength of the muscles is checked, and the flexibility of the body is checked. These are important to prevent accidents while playing sports.
Why is this (Sports Physical) so important?
Now you might be thinking, "Our child is doing well, so why this extra checkup?" But the importance of this is that it can help us identify hidden illnesses that may be a problem during play, and that we may not be aware of.
Imagine this. Your child has asthma, but it's not taken seriously. If the doctor detects this during a sports physical, he or she can prescribe medication to help your child breathe easier when running or exercising. Maybe even teach them how to use an inhaler and what precautions to take before playing sports.
Another thing is that the doctor can give training tips to prevent accidents related to the sport the child is playing, recommend special types of exercises, or refer the child for physical therapy. All of this will help the child to be able to play safely and happily.
When and where will this be done?
The best thing to do is to go to your child's regular doctor (Family Doctor) and get this (Sports Physical) done. Because that doctor knows your child, his previous illnesses, and his family health history very well. Then he can make a more accurate assessment.
Sometimes schools organize these (sports physicals). Then, in a place like the school hall, they set up "stations" and each medical professional can go over each part of the physical exam. That's good too, but if possible, it's best to go to your family doctor.
The most important thing is to get your sports physical at least 6 weeks before the start of the sports season. Do you know why? Because if the doctor finds any problems, there is time to do more tests, start treatment, or see a specialist. When you rush in at the last minute, you can't do those things properly.
Usually, this (Sports Physical) is valid for about a year. However, some sports clubs may require you to fill out a new form each time. Also, if there is any significant change in your child's health (for example, a new injury, chest pain, difficulty breathing), you should see your doctor again and get permission before playing. It is also important to inform your child's coach or school sports teacher about these changes.
What if the doctor finds something wrong? Don't worry!
Now you might be thinking, "Oh, what if the doctor says something's wrong, will my child not be able to play?" Most of the time, that's not the case. Don't worry!
Most children are fine, the doctor checks them out, signs the relevant form, and says, "Okay, you can play."
For some children, the doctor may prescribe a medication (e.g., an inhaler), ask them to come back in a few days for a follow-up exam, do some other special tests, or recommend a treatment such as physical therapy. All of this is done to help the child play safely.
The main purpose of this (Sports Physical) is not to stop children from playing sports, but to keep them safe.
It is very rare for a doctor to say, "No, this child can't play this sport." However, that doesn't mean that the child can't play any sport. For example, a child who has had multiple concussions may not be able to play a high-impact sport like rugby or football. However, they may be able to play other sports like swimming or tennis.
Is this (sports physical) enough? Or do I also need a regular doctor's checkup?
This is also a question that many people have. (Sports Physical) mainly focuses on how the child's health condition affects the sport he is going to play, and how suitable he is for it.
However, regular checkups that check a child's overall health and well-being are also very important. These checkups include giving vaccinations, checking growth, and discussing nutrition.
The best thing to do when you make an appointment with your doctor is to ask if you can have both a sports physical and an annual checkup on the same day. That way, the doctor can schedule a time that works for you and get both done in one visit.
So, the most important thing to remember!
Even world-famous athletes regularly undergo medical advice and tests to perform at their best and stay healthy. In the same way, a Sports Physical is essential for our young athletes to ensure their safety and play happily and healthily.
So, if your child is about to start a sport, or is about to start a new season, don't forget to get a Sports Physical. It's the biggest protection you can give your child!
` Sports medical examination, children's health, sports safety, PPE, medical history, physical examination, sports injury prevention
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න