Summer vacation is just getting started for Wisconsin’s school kids, but the upcoming school year is already on many parents’ minds.
After a year of canceled sports seasons and fewer trips to the doctor, your child may need an annual wellness exam. Here are some tips for making sure they’re in peak health and ready to take on whatever the academic year brings.
The Process
Whether your child participates in sports or not, ThedaCare provides the convenience of conducting sports and annual physicals as part of one, comprehensive evaluation.
“We’re happy to provide a wellness exam that will fulfill sports physical requirements for club and high school teams as well as attendance at camps,” says Dr. Sneha Subbarayan, a Pediatrician with ThedaCare Physicians. “Through this approach, we can ensure participation in sports won’t put the child’s body at risk for harm, while also addressing any specific developmental concerns you may have about your child.”
The physical comprises a preventive exam which takes into account the child’s overall well-being, as well as specific cardiovascular and musculoskeletal issues that could affect their participation in sports. A typical assessment includes:
- Discussion of the child’s medical and family history
- Height and weight assessment
- Eye exam
- Hearing exam
- Tracking overall development
- Measuring vital signs, including temperature, pulse, and blood pressure
- A comprehensive head-to-toe exam
- Nutrition evaluation
- Musculoskeletal exam
- Cardiac screening (for those with a family history or previous personal history of heart conditions)
- Vaccinations
- Addressing sleep problems
- Academic concerns
- Treatment plans for chronic conditions
- Guidance for preventing illness and injury, including suggestions for protective equipment
“It’s not just about how they’re doing physically, but also mentally, socially, developmentally, and emotionally,” Dr. Subbarayan says. “We consider their family dynamic and how the child is faring overall.”
“It’s not just about how they’re doing physical, but also mentally, socially, developmentally, and emotionally.”
Dr. Sneha Subbarayan, Pediatrician, ThedaCare
Preparing for a Physical
Parents can help their child come prepared to an annual or sports physical by:
- Compiling a list of important personal or family medical history
- Jotting down any specific questions or concerns the child or parent would like to discuss
- Completing the necessary forms through your child’s school or athletic association
“A big part of a sports physical is the questionnaire that parents fill out prior to their appointment,” Dr. Subbarayan says. “It gives us insight into family history and possible underlying medical conditions, such as heart conditions, asthma, and bone or joint issues that could affect the child’s ability to play sports or warrant further examination.”
A copy of the questionnaire is available through your child’s school and at wiaawi.org.
Monitoring Your Child’s Well-Being
If concerns arise during your child’s physical, the provider will address them during the appointment. If necessary, they’ll refer your child to a specialist. Even if a provider clears your child’s health for the academic year or athletic season, it’s still important to continue looking for any concerning signs or symptoms as the year progresses.
If your child struggles mentally or academically, their development slows, or new symptoms arise, it’s important to seek care. In particular, parents should watch for warning signs of serious injury that may occur while children are participating in sports.
“Just because we clear someone for playing doesn’t mean that things can’t happen. If a child is experiencing pain, especially trouble breathing, chest pains, or muscle and joint pain, parents should make an appoinment as soon as possible,” Dr. Subbarayan says.
Concussions are of particular concern. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty concentrating
If your child plays in competitive sports, especially in high school, the school will follow a concussion protocol. If the athletic trainer recommends your child be seen, it’s best to have them evaluated, even if they appear asymptomatic.
“It’s always best to get checked out after a head injury, especially if there are any concerning symptoms,” Dr. Subbarayan says. “If you have a concussion and keep playing, you put yourself at risk for a more severe injury.”
Scheduling a Physical
All kids and teens should come in for a yearly well child exam. The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association requires high school students to undergo a sports physical every other year.
“It’s best to plan ahead and schedule sports physicals early so you can ensure your child can train and compete in their sport,” Dr. Subbarayan says.
Summer can be a busy time for physicals because everyone is out of school. But the earlier a child can get scheduled, the more time providers have to resolve any concerns prior to the sport starting, especially if a child needs to see a specialist.
Is your child due for a physical? Schedule an appointment with one of our pediatricians or family medicine experts.
