Even if your kids seem healthy and active, scheduling routine and sports physicals is always a good idea. Preventive physicals give you peace of mind that your child is thriving and can play sports safely.
At Rise & Shine Pediatrics in South Plainfield, New Jersey, board-certified pediatricians Kalpana Kumari, MD, FAAP, and Himabindu Kasivajjula, MD, FAAP, recommend you book an appointment before your kids start school or participate in organized sports or other physical activities.
Schools, sports groups, and other organizations often require routine physicals and sports physicals as part of the registration process.
Rise & Shine Pediatrics offers physicals that meet these requirements and will provide the documentation your child needs to complete registration.
When a physical isn’t required, you should schedule routine physicals for your kids yearly as part of their preventive health care plan.
During a routine physical, our providers review your child’s personal and family medical histories and discuss any concerns you have about your child’s health or behaviors.
A physical exam involves an assessment of vital health details like:
A physical is also a good time to ensure your child is current on vaccinations to protect against contagious diseases like measles, mumps, and chickenpox.
After your physical is complete, our providers can recommend lifestyle and diet changes your child may need to improve their health. If we find any health issues during a physical, we can discuss your child’s options for treatment.
A sports physical is a specialized physical that ensures your child is healthy enough to play certain sports. This preventive service can identify underlying health issues that might prevent them from playing sports safely.
For instance, if your child has undiagnosed asthma, they may not be able to participate in sports without experiencing breathing issues.
Our medical providers evaluate your child’s blood pressure and other vital signs during a sports physical. They also assess your child’s joint flexibility and strength and their ability to play sports like football, soccer, and baseball.
A sports physical is also an excellent opportunity to bring up issues that can affect your child’s mental and physical health, such as substance misuse and peer pressure. We can also discuss exercises that increase your child’s stamina and recommend a nutritious diet to ensure your child continues to grow healthy and strong.
To book your child’s back-to-school or sports physical and all your pediatric needs, contact us today to schedule a visit at Rise & Shine Pediatrics.
