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HEALTH WOR DS A ND P H OTO G R A P H Y : SA N FO R D H E A LT H
A SPORTS PHYSICAL CAN HELP PARENTS SPOT HEALTH ISSUES It’s also a good time to check mental well-being in light of pandemic
ost young people require a sports physical before they can take part in school athletics or activities – at least when the season is predictable. Before school starts again, it’s a good idea to schedule a physical for fall sports and activities, says Dr. Jason Sharp, a physician with Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Fargo. “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 When a sports or activities COVID and have you physical is needed experienced any issues The requirement for when and how often a physical is needed is when you returned to mandated by each state. It is recommended that these checkups the sport?” be completed six weeks prior to the start of either the school or Autumn Nelson, a family nurse practitioner with Sanford Health in Fargo, offers the following helpful tips for parents.
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 to 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 and activity physical will check for 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 check-in 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.
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:: areawomanmagazine.com
Young athlete Stella Swenson and her mother Megan chat with Sanford Health’s Dr. Jason Sharp during the sports physical. They discuss what sports Stella is playing in this year and if she has any injuries that may hinder her performance.