speed vs. safety in sports physicals

As kids start practices for fall sports and activities, ads for “walk-in“ clinics that offer quick sports physicals for a low price are popping up everywhere.  Busy parents may be tempted, but doctors at Dayton Children’s Hospital say there are some very important reasons why they should stick with their primary pediatrician for this critical exam.

“Even if your child is healthy and never had a problem with sports before, the sports physical is not something that should be rushed through or done by someone who does not know your child,” says Lora Scott, MD, co-director of sports medicine at Dayton Children’s.

Dr. Scott says the sports physical serves three main purposes:

1. Identify old injuries that may need special care.
2. Identify and manage any conditions which could affect sports performance, like asthma or allergies.
3. Identify rare conditions which could cause sudden death during exercise.

In some situations, the choice between a pediatrician’s office and a “minute clinic” can be a life-altering decision rather than a convenient alternative.

For more information, contact: 

Stacy Porter 

Communications specialist 

Phone: 937-641-3666 

porters@childrensdayton.org