With the excitement of back-to-school comes the critical task of establishing your child is physically ready for the demands of their chosen sports.

Dr. Jonas, a family medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente Washington, emphasizes the importance of scheduling sports physicals early. “Summer is a big time for physicals,” says Dr. Jonas. “We encourage parents to plan ahead to avoid any delays in their child’s participation.”

A comprehensive sports physical is essential for meeting school requirements and to safeguard your child’s health. These exams go beyond the basics, offering an opportunity to assess overall well-being.

“We check height, weight, vital signs, and conduct a thorough examination of the lungs and joints,” Dr. Jonas explains. “Asthma, for example, shouldn’t be a barrier to sports participation if it’s properly managed.”

A key element of these physicals is injury prevention. Dr. Jonas notes that, particularly in sports like soccer and wrestling, understanding and addressing potential risks is vital.

“We take the time to talk about concussion safety and proper equipment use,” he says. “For younger kids, this might mean discussing the importance of avoiding headers in soccer or ensuring proper knee pad use when biking.”

“School-aged kids don’t typically come in for wellness exams often, so this is a good opportunity to discuss overall health,” he says.

Topics might range from nutrition and hydration to safety tips like wearing bike helmets or understanding gun safety.

“With older teens, we may also talk about safe sexual activity and substance use,” Dr. Jonas adds.

In areas like Snohomish, where sports like soccer, swimming and wrestling are particularly popular, parents are encouraged to be proactive. “Don’t wait until the last week of summer,” Dr. Jonas advises.

“Schedule those physicals now, and make sure to have your family’s health history ready. Understanding the specific needs and risks of your child’s sport is key,” he adds.

“We’re here to help families navigate the challenges of keeping their kids healthy and safe.”

For more information or to schedule a physical, visit kaiserpermanente.org. Make sure to follow them on Facebook or Instagram for any updates!