Playing a sport is great for kids. Sports help to develop strength and agility. Playing a sport also helps with social skills and provides the joy of belonging to a team. Before your child can play a sport, your child needs a sports physical. The pediatricians at Kiwi Pediatrics offer comprehensive pediatric services, including sports physicals. They have a convenient office location in Berkeley and serving Oakland, CA.

What You Need To Know About Sports Physicals

So, when should your child get a sports physical? Your child should get a new sports physical before your child starts a new sport. Each sport is different and has unique physical requirements. Your pediatrician can customize the physical to match the physical needs of each new sport your child wants to do.

A sports physical isn’t just a good idea. A sports physical is required for your child to play the sport. Sports physicals are an important part of your child’s healthcare because they:

• Ensure your child is healthy enough to play a sport
• Help identify potential medical issues that may develop with activity
• Can help prevent sports injuries

A sports physical is comprehensive and contains several steps. During a sports physical, the pediatrician will:

• Check your child’s balance, reflexes, flexibility, and strength
• Check for any breathing difficulties or other issues that may occur when your child is physically active
• Perform a thorough physical examination including recording your child’s height, weight, breathing, heart rate, and other factors
• Make sure your child is current on immunizations to help protect your child from contagious illnesses and diseases

Want to Know More About Sports Physicals?

Call the pediatricians at Kiwi Pediatrics in Berkeley and Oakland, CA, to learn more about when your child should get a sports physical. You can reach them at the Alcatraz Avenue office by calling (510) 652-1720, so call today.