School and Sports Physicals in Florida

Dr. Alexandra Kostur, a highly experienced and skilled pediatrician, is the heart of Jacksonville Kids Pediatrics in Jacksonville, FL. Her expertise and dedication ensure that your child receives the best possible care, including school and sports physicals.

Dr. Kostur has noticed that many parents are unsure about the distinctions between school and sports physicals, and why both are necessary for their child's well-being. She is here to provide clarity on these differences and stress the importance of each type of physical.

School Physicals versus a Sports Physical

School Physicals

Many parents believe a child's physical should include other required physicals. However, it's essential to understand that school and sports physicals are not just routine check-ups. Physicals are crucial in ensuring your child's health and academic performance.

These physicals are usually required before your child starts school, typically between the ages of 5 and 18. However, schools set their policy on school physicals. Check with your child's school to determine what their requirements are. A school physical may involve the following:.

• Physical examination
• Blood pressure, height, weight, and oxygen level at rest
• Assures a healthy social, physical, and emotional development
• Assures safe school activities
• Assures a healthy relationship with peers, staff, and family
• Review the medical history of the child and family to identify health risks
• Review and update all necessary vaccinations
• Review any special needs
• Pinpoints and monitors behaviors, alcohol, drug abuse, sexual activity, and mental health disorders
• Possible blood testing and imaging testing

Sports Physical

If your child participates in a school sports program, a camp, or another organization, a sports physical is generally required to ensure your child's safety and are healthy enough to participate. A sports physical is a more in-depth physical and could involve the following:.

• Physical examination
• Review medical history
• Review medications, disorders, conditions, and diseases
• Screening for mental and physical conditions, mood disorders, and depression
• Past surgical history, injuries, fractures, sprains, strains, and concussions
• Screen for alcohol, tobacco, drug use, and allergies
• Determines fitness level
• History of passing out, heat illness, dizziness during physical activity
• Eating habits, diet, and nutrition
• Weight loss/gain, blood pressure, weight, height, and oxygen level at rest
• Review and update vaccinations
• Menstruation cycle, urinary system, history of problems with either
• Examine eyes, ears, nose, and throat
• Reflex testing, neurological exam
• Examine muscles, bones, range of motion, alignment, balance, and spine health
• Bowel sounds and abdominal examination
• Heart/lung sounds
• Blood work, X-rays, and imaging testing

Seeking a Top-Quality Children's Doctor?

For top-quality healthcare for your children, look no further than Jacksonville Kids Pediatrics. Call Dr. Kostur today at (904) 446-9991 to schedule your child's physical. We look forward to meeting you and your children, and we promise to provide them with exceptional care until they reach young adulthood.