In the third year of offering sports physicals at school, Sports Med teacher Rebecca Goetz expects to have a turnout of around 160 students.

The benefit of doing the physicals at school is great for the school and students alike. A portion of the money does come back to the school to support the Sports Med program. It also lets our physicians meet and talk to the students prior to the start of the season. Then if they get injured, they already have a background on the student.

For many students, if they go to a pharmacy or doctor’s office, they end up paying close to 65 dollars. Perry offers them for only 20.

“Another benefit, doing them here at school, is they tend to be a more complete physical than getting them with your primary physician,” Goetz says. This is greatly due to the fact that pediatricians stop asking certain questions due to the patient’s history. However, especially in the teenage years, problems still pop up during off seasons and daily activity.

Perry’s physicals are very similar to those at regular physicians. They check the student’s vitals, cardiovascular system, general medical history, skeletal system, current and past history, and if any, previous concussions.

However, some students are concerned with not passing their physical. There really isn’t much to worry about because typically, if a student does not pass their physical, they are referred to another physician. Many times, the student can continue playing their sport after their follow up.

Goetz also explains that the students who may have a heart murmur, muscle deficiency, or skeletal injury are likely aware of their condition.

“This is rare, and many students who might fall into this category and already know this, tend to go to their primary physician for clearance since they are being treated for chronic illnesses already,” Goetz says.

With little to worry about going in, students should take advantage of the opportunity and save the money on their physical this year.