Redmond Regional Medical Center

4 \\ CONNECT take + care Does Your Health Make the Grade? With spring sports set to begin soon, many kids are due for their annual sports physicals. This is also a good opportunity for adults to get checked out. T he main purpose of a sports physical is to detect any underlying condition—such as a heart defect, high blood pressure or a neurological problem—that could be life-threatening during athletic activity. For the same reasons, adults should get a physical examination before starting any kind of exercise regimen, too. Plus, an annual exam keeps tabs on one's overall health. six weeks before their athletic season starts. This allows time to address health issues that might arise, schedule a follow-up exam and discuss preseason conditioning. Physicals can vary depending on the age, gender and particular medical needs of the patient. However, there are basically two parts to a sports physical: reviewing the patient's medical history and the examination itself. where to? There are a few places to get a physical exam, including a walk-in clinic or, for kids, at school; but often the best option is with a primary care physician. The patient can develop a comfort level with that doctor, and there is a continuity of care. With such familiarity, there is likely to be better patientdoctor communication, which could lead to better health outcomes. Also, a primary care physician is more likely to provide whole-patient care—asking in depth about overall lifestyle, personal habits and mental health—than a professional who treats someone on a limited or one-time basis. Kids should have their sports physicals about medical history It is important to keep accurate medical records. A primary care physician will keep records for each patient, but a patient is encouraged to prepare a thorough medical history before seeing the doctor. This usually includes: • Allergies • Diet habits • Illnesses in patient's family, whether current or in the past • Medications the patient is taking • Previous injuries or medical procedures • Serious illnesses • Sleep problems • Use of alcohol or recreational drugs • Whether or not exercise has ever caused a problem such as shortness of breath, chest pain or lightheadedness in the past the exam It is always good to ask questions during a checkup. Meanwhile, the primary care physician examines a list of key areas, including height and weight, the heart, lungs, neurological system, ears, sinuses, neck, eyes, abdomen, skin, and joints and extremities. The physician is looking for subtle clues about your health. Irregular sounds in the heartbeat or breathing, gum health, liver size, abdominal tenderness, prominence of lymph nodes, reflexes, and other key checkpoints are all indicators of one's overall well-being. levels and numbers One of the most important aspects of any physical exam is vital signs measurement. These are

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