Parent Corner: Summer--A good time for a physical
By Arnold Ronning, MD
Pediatrician
Cascade Valley Arlington Pediatrics
It's summer! Time to get out and enjoy the weather; do some gardening, mow the lawn, play baseball, and...TAKE YOUR CHILD IN FOR A PHYSICAL? Now? When they're feeling fine?
Yes, summer is a good time for physicals, especially if your child participates in sports. If they are attending summer skill-camps, a doctor's physical is often required. You can also beat the August/September rush, when clinics are busy with everyone else's kids!
Don't think of sports physicals as a "hoop" to jump through before your child can participate. Finding a health problem early and resolving it can improve your child's performance so they can have their best season ever.
I recently saw a 13 year-old for a sports physical. He had a persistent cough that came and went, and was usually worse after athletic activity. Sometimes it kept him from getting a good night's sleep. We determined the boy had mild asthma that was made worse by physical activity. Through proper use of medication, this child's lung function will improve. With better oxygen flow he will have more endurance and strength--a better season!
Sometimes even more serious things can be discovered during a routine or sports physical, such as:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Heart disease (potentially fatal!)
- Scoliosis (spinal curvature)
Your child may also have vaccine "boosters" that are due. It is easy to forget that it is time for these boosters and let them slip by.
A Pediatrician or Family Practice doctor's goal is not to keep your child OUT of sports, but to help them do better!
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It should not replace a visit with your health care professional. Call your doctor if you need more information or have additional questions.