Now Is the Time to Book Those Back-to-School and Sports Physicals

It may seem like summer just started, but with vacations, sleepaway camps, and family reunions filling up the calendar, the new school year will be here before you know it.

While your first priority may be on purchasing new clothing and school supplies, don’t forget about school and sports physicals. Many districts require students to have a physical exam before the start of the academic year, and spots often fill up quickly.

At OG Health in Greenwood Village, Colorado, concierge medicine physician Oswaldo "Ozzie" A. Grenardo, MD, MBA, MSHA, FAAFP, provides sports and school physicals to kids, teens, and young adults. Keep reading to learn why these physicals are important, when to schedule them, and what to expect during your child’s visit.

Why are school and sports physicals important?

School and sports physicals are important for several reasons. Here’s a quick breakdown:

School physicals

Many districts require students to stay up-to-date on certain vaccinations and screenings. If it's been more than a year since your child’s last physical exam, they may not be able to participate in certain activities or events.

Sports physicals

This exam ensures your child is healthy enough to play sports. Certain medical conditions, like asthma, heart murmurs, and allergies, can increase the risk of accidents and injuries, but they don’t always cause noticeable symptoms.

Scheduling a sports physical before the start of the new season can provide peace of mind and give you a chance to ask Dr. Grenardo about your child’s growth, development, and mental health.

When should you schedule a school or sports physical?

We recommend scheduling a school or sports physical 4-6 weeks before the start of the new school year. This may seem early, but the summer season is busy, and our schedule is typically filled by the end of July. Additionally, it gives us plenty of time to order follow-up tests or exams if we identify any potential issues.

If your child needs specific forms for school or sports, getting ahead of the rush can help prevent delays and stress. Which is something every parent could use less of.

What your child can expect during their visit

Most school and sports physicals follow a similar structure. First, Dr. Grenardo reviews your child’s health records and checks their height, weight, vision, hearing, and vital signs. Next, he asks about their sleep schedule, diet, and emotional well-being. Feel free to speak up during this part of the appointment. Depending on your child’s age, your input may help provide valuable context.

Last, Dr. Grenardo completes a physical exam. He checks your child’s eyes, ears, nose, and throat; gently presses on their abdomen; assesses their posture and gait; and looks for any issues that might affect their school or sports performance. He also orders lab tests, including bloodwork and urinalysis, to check for underlying issues, like diabetes.

Be sure to tell Dr. Grenardo if your child has a history of injuries or a medical condition that could affect their schoolwork or ability to play sports.

Schedule a sports or back-to-school physical for your child

The new school year will be here before you know it, so avoid the last-minute scramble. Contact us if your child or teen needs a sports or school physical. Partnering with Dr. Grenardo is a great way to help your child stay healthy and active all year. Call our office at 303-625-7976 or book your appointment online today.