Have you scheduled your child's sports physical yet? An pre-participation physical exam is a must if your son or daughter plans to participate in sports this year. Your Longwood, FL, pediatricians serving the Altamonte Springs, Sanford, Maitland, and Lake Mary, FL, areas Drs. Jag Ambwani, Nancy Zuker, and Dolly Ubhrani, offer sports physicals at Longwood Pediatrics.

Why are sports physicals needed?

Problems that could affect your child's health aren't always obvious. For example, the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma or vocal cord dysfunction may only appear when your son or daughter participates in strenuous activities. Both conditions make breathing while exercising difficult.

During your child's sports physical, the pediatrician will look for signs and symptoms that may affect your son or daughter's ability to safely participate in sports.

Although heart-related conditions probably spring to mind when you think about sports' issues, pediatricians also look for other health problems, such as high blood pressure, scoliosis and joint instabilities.

In many cases, children can play sports even if a health problem is diagnosed, although they may need special modifications. Kids who have asthma may need more frequent breaks, while sports that don't strain or hyperextend the spine may be the best option for children who have scoliosis.

During the physical, your child's Longwood, FL, pediatrician serving the Altamonte Springs, Sanford, Maitland, and Lake Mary, FL, areas will:

• Check height and weight and measure your child's blood pressure
• Examine your son or daughter's nose, throat, ears, joints, muscle, and posture
• Perform a basic vision test
• Check your child's heart and lungs
• Evaluate previous injuries
• Ask questions about health history, conditions, and diseases

The physical also offers the perfect opportunity to discuss good health habits that will help your child succeed on the playing field or court. The discussion may include tips for healthy eating, safe training routines, use of protective gear, and information on the dangers of alcohol and drugs, including performance-enhancing drugs.

Most children are cleared to play sports after a sports physical. If your child's pediatrician is concerned about an illness or injury, the problem may need to be successfully treated or managed before participation is recommended.

Sports physicals help protect your child's health. Call Your Longwood, FL, pediatrician serving Altamonte Springs, Sanford, Maitland, and Lake Mary, FL, areas , Drs. Jag Ambwani, Nancy Zuker, and Dolly Ubhrani of Longwood Pediatrics at (407) 644-9970 to schedule your child's physical.