Since May promotes National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, I wanted to inform you about this event and the questions I asked at my son’s sports physical at UHealth Jackson Urgent Care.
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month was proclaimed in 1983. It is used to encourage the importance of physical activity, physical fitness, and sports participation.
As a sports mom (football mom), my priority is making sure that my son is in good health to be able to play the sport that he is most passionate about. Being in good physical health helps avoid injuries. One very useful way to know if he is in good physical health to play the sport is by getting a sports physical. A sports physical is an evaluation of the physical health of the athlete to determine if they’re cleared and physically able to play the sport. This type of evaluation includes vision, growth, nutrition evaluation, EKG (only if recommended by the physician), strength, mobility, and flexibility.
Did you know that you can schedule a sports physical at any UHealth Jackson Urgent Care? Plus, did you know that Jackson Urgent Care is currently offering a promotion through September 10, 2024, of $17 for a sports physical and $55 with an EKG? For the second year, I took my son to the Doral, Florida location. I went on a Saturday and if you use their friendly Online Pre-Registration you can speed up the registration when you arrive. We were in and out in less than an hour. Walk-ins are welcome. You must bring a pre-participation physical evaluation form provided by your school. A parent/guardian, not a coach, must accompany a minor.
You know that us moms are always on the clock and rushing to the next appointment. Conveniently, all centers are open 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and their center in northern Miami-Dade County is open Monday through Saturday with the same hours.
Additionally, all the UHealth Jackson Urgent Care centers are staffed with board-certified physicians. Be assured that all patients get expert care. Each center also has an autism-friendly designation with trained staff. Further, there are specially designated sensory-friendly exam rooms to give all patients the opportunity to experience healthcare in a safe and controlled environment.
4 QUESTIONS I ASKED
Sports physicals are mandatory to play school team sports. During the evaluation, I take advantage and ask the physician questions regarding my son’s health and history. It’s the perfect opportunity to do so. Below are 4 questions I asked:
- Since there’s a history of heart conditions in our family, should my son get a preventive EKG done?
- My son’s appetite has opened quite a bit. I’m sure a lot of moms out there will agree that teens would eat a house if they could. Should his nutrition be balanced according to his weight and the sport?
- All the players from the football team are required to take a course on concussion from the National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS Learn). What at-home examinations should we do for concussion awareness?
- I know that my son isn’t as flexible. What exercises are recommended for his flexibility and growth?
THE TAKEAWAY OF A SPORTS PHYSICAL AT UHEALTH JACKSON URGENT CARE
I’m a bag of nerves during football season. However, his participation in the sport and how much he enjoys it is what makes my heart smile the most. I trust him and I trust his abilities but with the sport comes the risk of any injury. This is why I use the sports physical to ask questions. The doctor’s answers provided me with additional tips and knowledge on what I can do as a mom to help prepare my son for the season.
