Your child’s health is important. Make sure they get a physical before they get in the game!

Maybe this is the year your child has finally decided they want to get involved in school sports. Before they grab their helmet and head out onto the field make sure that they get a sports physical from one of our Greenwich, CT pediatricians, Dr. Karen Beckman or Dr. Alejandro Mones, first. Find out more about the importance of a sports physical and why your child should get one every year.

Why does my child need a sports physical?

A sports physical is an exam that helps your Greenwich, CT children’s doctor determine if your child or teen is healthy enough for the physical activity they want to be involved in. Most schools will expect students to get a sports physical before they can participate. Here are some of the reasons why this physical exam is so important:

• It can identify any health disorders or conditions like heart problems, asthma or a head injury that could affect their ability to participate.
• It helps pinpoint and treat old physical injuries such as sprains that may not have been properly rehabbed or treated.
• It gives your doctor time to discuss important issues with your child such as maintaining a healthy diet or wearing protective gear while playing sports.

What is involved in a sports physical?

When your child comes into our Greenwich office for their physical we will first take your child’s vital signs (heart rate and blood pressure). Then we will go through their detailed medical history being sure to mention any medications they are taking, preexisting conditions, past hospitalizations or surgeries, or any injuries. The next portion will involve the actual physical exam in which we thoroughly exam all parts of your child’s body to make sure everything looks healthy.

It’s highly recommended that child get a sports physical every year before the school year begins (or at least 6 weeks prior to the start of their sports season). If it’s time for your child’s next physical, it’s time to call Riverside Pediatrics, LLC, in Greenwich, CT.