Sports physical vs. annual wellness check

Back-to-school season is here. As you write lists for school supplies and clothes, I encourage you to make a list of your child’s medical needs. That list should include an annual wellness check, and if your child is a student athlete, a sports physical as well. They are notably different health care visits so let’s look at what goes into each.

What is a sports physical?

• The purpose of this exam is to see if your child is healthy enough to safely play sports.
• In the state of Minnesota, student athletes in grades 7-12 must have a sports physical every three years.

What to expect during a sports physical?

• Student athletes are screened for life-threatening conditions.
• Families (caregivers and the student athlete) are asked to fill out a form from the state that asks detailed questions about how the child reacts to physical activity. (For example, do you get light-headed or short of breath during exercise?)
  • It is important these questions are answered honestly and thoroughly, so your provider can identify children who may be at risk.
• A physical examination is performed with a focus on the heart, lungs and the musculoskeletal system.

Here’s what I like about sports physicals as a primary care provider – The need for a sports physical gets student athletes who may have missed their annual wellness checks to contact my office. While they’re scheduling their sports physical, my team can also remind them about their annual wellness check, which can be performed during the same office visit.

What is the annual wellness check?

• This annual checkup assesses your child’s overall physical and socio-emotional wellbeing.

Here’s what we do during the annual wellness check:

• Assess your child’s growth and development.
• Update immunizations.
• Review any chronic medical conditions like allergies, asthma, or ADHD, as well as issues from the past year, such as broken bones or a hospitalization.
• Renew prescriptions as needed.
• Screen for potential mental health concerns.
• Review and update the family medical history.
• Talk about healthy eating habits and the importance of exercise.
• Discuss age-appropriate safety concerns.
• Provide medical documents needed for school.

Having your child’s sports physical and wellness check performed by their primary care provider keeps medical records and health history up to date and allows for a more thorough screening. Both appointments are critical to your student athlete’s health and safety.