New physicals required for upcoming 7th, 9th-graders

Beginning with the 2008-09 school year, rising seventh- and ninth-grade students who are going to participate in a school sports programs will be required to have a complete health maintenance exam, known as the Well Child Exam, in accordance with a new rule from the State Board of Education.

The Well Child Exam ‘ as well as the traditional pre-participation physical ‘ will be valid after May 1 for the 2008-09 school year.

The new physical exam requirements include a complete health history, as well as a behavior and mental health assessment, a complete physical exam and lab test that are individual specific, such as urinalysis, blood work, etc. Vision and hearing screening and immunizations are also required, as is anticipatory guidance including advice on alcohol, tobacco, drugs and seat belts.

‘All Warren County schools will require each seventh- and ninth-grade student to complete the traditional pre-participation physical form in addition to the new well child form,’ said WCHS athletic trainer Tim McIntosh. ‘We recommend when making as appointment to make it clear that you need both exams performed and both forms completed. Only health care providers such as a doctor of medicine, Osteopathic physician, a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner are allowed to sign the form.’

There are several reasons for the State Board of Education to make the changes, but mainly due to new data that suggest for many children (as many as 78 percent), the sports physical is the only physical exam they receive all year. The medical literature also shows that adolescents are willing to talk with health care providers about issues such as stress, depression, alcohol and tobacco use, but they don’t believe that the sports physical is the appropriate setting for such conversations. Thus, when sports physicals are substituted for the complete health maintenance exam, there are many missed opportunities to address issues that are vital to the health of these student athletes.

‘This is a very good thing,’ stated McIntosh. ‘This will provide parents with a more detailed report, that might be able to catch something early enough to prevent serious illness or even death. The physical might cost a little more, but the benefit is well worth it. Students not completing the Well Child Exam will not be allowed to participate in any games, practice, conditioning or weight lifting activities.’

All required forms are available at www.warrencountyhighschool.com/sports.html under sports medicine heading. If you have any questions you may contact McIntosh at 668-5858, ext 411. Or detailed information on the new physical can be found at the Department of Health’s web site at: htp:/health.state.tn.us/sportsphysical.