your musculoskeletal and circulatory systems .”
Finally comes the question of why sports physicals are so important anyways .
Dr . Jenkins remarked , “ For a lot of kids , this their only chance or the only time to get this kind of stuff tested until they are at the age where they are going away to college , so it ’ s important in that respect to make sure the kids don ’ t have any sort of long-standing issues that may come up .”
He also went on to say , “ It ’ s also important to me so I have the chance to show kids how important it is to stay up-to-date on any sort of medication they may take , as well as show them the importance of staying hydrated while participating in any sort of sport or activity .”
Most teens go to their regular doctor ’ s office to get a sports physical , since your doctor knows you and your health history best . Some get their sports physical at school . During school physicals , you may go to “ stations ” set up in the gym — each one is staffed by a medical professional who does a specific part of the physical exam .
Schedule your sports physical at least six weeks before your sports season starts . If your doctor finds a problem , this should leave enough time to for tests or treatment , if needed . Neither you nor your doctor will be very happy if your sports physical is the day before baseball practice starts and it turns out there ’ s something that needs to be taken care of before you can suit up .
Dr . Pat Jenkins
14 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky august 2022