Why Are Sports Physicals So Important?
Every year, more than 45 million kids participate in sports activities in the United States. However, before they hit the field or the court, it’s important to make sure that your little athlete is okay to play. It’s estimated that around 60% of all sports-related injuries happen during practices rather than games. The top three sports in which most injuries occur are football, basketball and soccer, so making sure a child is ready to play before the big game – particularly for these sports – is very important. Most school districts and athletic leagues across the country and in New Mexico require sports physicals (also called preparticipation physicals) to ensure that all of our children and adolescents remain healthy. Sports physicals are evaluations led by physicians and clinicians at Southwest Care Center to review past injuries, identify anything that might make your child more prone to injury, and review other health issues which might interfere with your child’s ability to play a sport. Southwest Care Center has a well-developed Pediatrics program and can also offer your children top-notch pediatrics care. To make an appointment for a sports physical or with a pediatrician please call (505) 988-8869.