Jul 29, 2008 - 04:06:29 CDT
Students hoping to play school sports will need a sports physical before playing.Sports physicals are generally good for two years, unless a doctor recommends more frequent checks.
"Now, the sooner the better in sports physicals," Medcenter One family physician Dr. Donald Kosiak said.
Parents need to give permission for the physical, and students identify the sports they plan to attend. A medical history and physical exam are part of the sports physical. At Medcenter, students watch a 15-minute podcast about social issues and prevention.
Generally, the process takes 15 to 30 minutes. It gives parents and students a time to talk with doctors about possible problems and other issues that might cause concern.
"In a sense, it opens the door for communication," St. Alexius nurse practitioner Michelle Maier said.
With the younger students she sees, the parents stay for the entire physical, while for older teens, the parents usually leave the room for privacy.
A sports physical is a good opportunity to talk about whether the student is intolerance to the heat, heart palpitations and getting dizzy, she said. When these subjects come up she recommends follow-up with the student's doctor, and gives them some ideas for treating or preventing some conditions.
"The history of the sports physical is to prevent injury to children," Kosiak said.
(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@;bismarcktribune.com.)
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