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Pediatric Sports Physical

Margaret Lubega, MD -  - Pediatrician

First Pediatric Care Center

Margaret Lubega, MD

Pediatrician located in Gastonia, NC

Sports programs are a great way for your children to learn the value of teamwork while getting plenty of exercise. Children registering for new sports teams or competitive seasons often need to complete a sports physical in order to participate. Dr. Margaret Lubega offers comprehensive physical exams at First Pediatric Care Center in Gastonia, North Carolina, to ensure your child is healthy enough to play sports safely. Schedule a sports physical appointment online or by calling the office directly.

Pediatric Sports Physical Q & A

Why is a sports physical important?

A sports physical provides an opportunity for Dr. Lubega to assess your child’s overall health. The exam can help rule out any underlying medical conditions that may interfere with their ability to safely participate in a certain sport.

During your child’s physical, Dr. Lubega also gets a chance to discuss important issues, such as the use of drugs, alcohol, and performance enhancers, as it relates to sports. She can provide resources to help improve your child’s athletic training, such as strength-training and endurance exercises, in a safe and healthy way.

What happens during a sports physical?

You should schedule your child’s sports physical appointment before the start of a new sport or competitive season. During the examination, Dr. Lubega discusses your child’s medical history, including current and previous illnesses and surgeries. She also asks questions about injuries in the past, especially those related to sports, such as bone breaks and concussions.

You should be ready to provide Dr. Lubega with a list of any prescription or over-the-counter medications your child takes.

During the physical examination, Dr. Lubega checks your child’s height and weight, measures blood pressure, and listens to their heart and lungs. She also performs a physical exam of the abdomen, ears, nose, and throat to identify any abnormalities. A thorough evaluation of your child’s strength, flexibility, joints, and posture is also a part of the exam.

If your child has a history of sports injuries, she can review the details and may perform additional testing to ensure these injuries won’t be a problem when returning to a sport.

What if my child does not pass the physical?

If Dr. Lubega suspects there are health issues that would prevent your child from playing sports, she discusses those issues with you during your appointment. This doesn’t mean your child will never play sports again, only that you may need to schedule a follow-up appointment to address existing health concerns.

If your child receives a clean bill of health, Dr. Lubega can sign off on the necessary paperwork from the school or sports program during your appointment.

To schedule a sports physical for your child, book an appointment online or by calling the office.

Read more at the American Academy of Pediatrics