Sports Physicals Play Important Role as Student Athletes Return to School
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The Back-to-School season is here and student athletes are preparing to return to fall sports. Along with clothing and gear, they will likely have another necessity: a sports clearance physical exam.
A sports physical exam is required by many schools and organizations before students can secure a spot on a team, and oftentimes it’s needed ahead of try-outs. Why are these exams so important?
“The most important thing we look for is cardiac anomalies, which could be a problem when athletes are over exerting themselves,” said Amanda Tuel, Nurse Practitioner Lead at Cottage Urgent Care. “We listen to the heart to check for murmurs and irregular beats. We also check their pulse for any asymmetry.”
Clinicians will examine joints and reflexes, review the student’s medical history and note any recent health changes and concerns.
“We also look for signs of Type 1 diabetes,” Ms. Tuel said. “The symptoms of being overly thirsty, hungry and tired can masquerade as nothing out of the ordinary for athletes doing rigorous training.”
To help meet the demand for sports physicals ahead of the fall season, Cottage Urgent Care is offering a reduced rate of $49 for the exam until September 30, 2021.
