Children heading off to camps this summer may need to complete a sports physical before attending.
Also called pre-participation physical, a sports physical is a way to ensure that children are healthy enough to participate in all of the activities offered.
What is a sports physical and why might it be needed?
Many day camps, overnight camps or sports programs request that kids complete a physical before they attend. The physical is carried out to make sure that kids are in good health and can safely participate in all of the activities they undertake such as running, hiking, cycling or swimming.
What happens during the physical?
The following elements will be included in a camp physical
- A thorough review of your child’s medical records and family history.
- Check of vital signs, height, and weight
- Review of immunization record
- A vision screening
- Medication authorization, if needed
The physical itself is a relatively simple process.
At the clinic, a medical professional will explain to both parents and their children what the exam consists of and what they can expect. It’s also a good time for parents to ask questions about any new health concerns their child may have.
Based on the activities that your child is expected to engage in while at camp, the doctor can determine if there is any medical reason to limit their involvement or reconsider their attendance.
Benefits of having a camp physical
- Immunizations: If your child needs to be immunized you will have adequate time to address them before camp.
- Pre-existing conditions: If your child has a pre-existing medical condition such as asthma or epilepsy, a physical gives your doctor the chance to make recommendations for medications or additional treatments.
- Allergies: If your child has any allergies (e.g. bees, nuts) this is a good time to make sure that they have extra epi-pens and know how to use them.
- Documentation: Documentation of the physical can be shared with those who need to know about any medical conditions or allergies that your child may have.
To ensure that you have enough time to update the required immunizations or follow up with any possible medical concerns, complete your child’s summer camp physical well in advance of the date they will be attending the camp.