Get Ready for School (Why to include your child's annual sports physical in your checklist)

Heading back to school is such an exciting time, isn't it?

As a caregiver, we know you want to make sure your child is all set for a successful year - from stocking up on school supplies to signing them up for exciting extracurricular activities.

But let's not forget about something super important - your child's health! It's an absolute must to include your child's annual sports physical on that checklist. Trust me, you'll be thanking yourself later.

Little boy on tennis court

Why is getting a sports physical so crucial?

We turned to our friends at Gateway Hancock Health to break it down:

 

1. Preventing any unforeseen issues: A sports physical helps catch any hidden health concerns that could potentially cause trouble when your child is out there running around on the field or court. By identifying underlying conditions - like high blood pressure or other sneaky stuff - you're taking proactive steps to keep your child safe and injury-free.

2. Spotting health hiccups early on: Sports physicals are great for discovering any health issues your child may have, such as heart conditions, allergies, or even asthma. When these things are caught early, you can swoop in and get the proper treatment, ensuring your little champ can participate fully in all those sports activities.

3. Meeting school requirements: Some schools require a sports physical before your child can join a team or participate in sports activities. And guess what? Often, they want it to be updated annually. So, by having that sports physical checked off your list, you're not just keeping your child healthy, but you're also making sure they're all set to be a sports star!

DYK Sports physicals at Gateway Hancock Health are only $25? Schedule today by calling (317) 866-7300.

Peek these valuable 7 back-to-school tips from Gateway Hancock Health.

Now that we've covered why a sports physical is a big deal let's chat about how to get it done right:

1. Plan ahead: Make sure to schedule your child's sports physical in advance. Trust me, waiting until the last minute can result in a major headache. 

2. Bring all the deets: Before the appointment, gather any necessary information about your child's medical history, allergies, and current medications. Having all this info ready to go will make the appointment run smoothly and ensure the doctor has all the necessary background on your kiddo.

3. Dress to impress (or at least comfortably): Remember to have your child wear comfortable athletic clothing and appropriate footwear. The doctor may want to measure different things, check their flexibility, or even test their vision and hearing. So, get ready to be all sporty and stuff!

 

So, while you're busy making that back-to-school checklist, don't forget to prioritize your child's health. Add a sports physical from Gateway Hancock Health to the list, and have peace of mind knowing that your little superstar is healthy and ready to conquer the field. 

gateway back to school visual checklist

Other items to include on your back-to-school checklist

In addition to your child's sports physical, here are a few other items to put on your back-to-school checklist:

 
  • Buy school supplies - don’t know what you need? Contact your school or check their website for a downloadable list.

  • Purchase appropriate clothing for the new season - go through your child’s closet and do a try-on session to make sure everything fits and determine what needs replacement. 

  • Check the transportation plan - things change over the summer! Now is a good time to evaluate their pickup and dropoff schedule and plan carpools.

  • Review new school timetables and schedules - sometimes classroom times change too, so refresh yourself on times and holiday schedules (and add them to your own). 

  • Register for extracurricular activities - don’t get left in the dust on deadlines. Register and fill out all the necessary extracurricular paperwork now.

In summary, your child's sports physical should be among the top priorities on your back-to-school checklist. It’s crucial to have a plan and schedule it in advance to ensure that you have enough time to prepare.

With early detection of health problems, your child will have the optimal chance of addressing any health-related issues before the sports season begins. So, when creating that back-to-school checklist, remember that the physical health of your child is essential, and a sports physical is a necessary part of those preparations.


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MORE INFO: Gateway Hancock Health is located at 6189 W. John L. Modglin Dr, Suite 103, Greenfield, IN.

Immediate Care Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am-8 pm | Sat-Sun 8 am-5 pm

Lab Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm | Sat 8 am-2 pm | Sun- Closed

Imaging Hours*: Mon - Fri 8am-5pm | Sat 8am-2pm | Sun- Closed

*X-Ray is available during Immediate Care hours except on Sundays

Gateway $25 SPORTS PHYSICAL

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