Well Child Exams & Sports Physicals: What To Expect

Dr. Haravu Lokesh, Dr. Rupal Desai, and Dr. Monica Porcelli, and Tarah Savino, PA at A to Z Pediatrics in New Port Richey, FL offer both well-child exams & sports physicals according to your child’s needs.

Guide to Well Child Exams & Sports Physicals

If your child is playing sports, you probably know you need to take them for a sports physical. However, what most parents don’t know is that a sports physical is not a full check-up.

Well child exams & sports physicals are two different types of appointments, and a sports physical should never take the place of a wellness exam.

Well Child Exams

A well-child exam is a comprehensive annual physical exam. The doctor takes a look at your child’s physical, emotional, developmental, and social health and wellness. To do so, the wellness exam includes the following:

• Full physical examination, including height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, and hands-on exam
• Vision screening and hearing tests
• Look at health history
• Discussions and recommendations about sleep habits, nutrition, school, concerns and information about childhood stages, and more
• Lab work, if necessary
• Vaccinations

Sports Physicals

Sports physicals are important examinations that help determine whether a child is safely able to play a sport. It does cover some of the same areas as a wellness exam, such as height, weight, vision screening, hearing test, and blood pressure. It also takes a look at any previous or current injuries, muscle health, bone health, strength, and flexibility.

Well Child Exam Vs. Sports Physical: Which Does Your Child Need?

Every child needs a wellness exam, typically once a year. These exams are crucial for assessing their overall health and development, as well as detecting any issues and addressing them as early as possible.

If your child wants to play sports, a sports physical is recommended and often required. It ensures that your child is healthy enough for their sport. This is important, as you don’t want to allow your child to play a sport that could harm them.

Of course, risk does come with playing sports. However, there is a difference between a sports accident and allowing a child with a heart condition to play a sport that could exasperate that condition.

If you live in or around the New Port Richey, FL area, call (727) 375-5242 to schedule well-child exams & sports physicals with Dr. Lokesh, Dr. Desai, and Dr. Porcelli at A to Z Pediatrics.