As the new school year approaches and fall sports start up, many student-athletes will be heading in for their annual sports physicals. But here’s something many parents don’t realize — a sports physical is not a replacement for your child’s yearly well-child exam.

While both visits involve a medical professional, they serve different purposes and both are essential.

So, what’s the difference?

Let’s break it down:

🏃 Sports Physicals: Focused on Fitness for Play

A sports physical is about making sure your child is healthy enough to safely participate in sports. It’s a quick, targeted checkup that focuses on the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems — the parts of the body most impacted by physical activity.

During this exam, providers will check:

• Height and weight
• Vision and hearing
• Heart health and blood pressure
• Muscle and bone strength, flexibility and joint function

Sports physicals are often required by schools, and they’re important for safety, but they’re not designed to assess your child’s overall health.

🩺 Well-Child Checks: A Complete Look at Your Child’s Health

A well-child visit is a comprehensive annual checkup that goes far beyond physical readiness for sports. These visits give your MHCS provider the opportunity to:

• Track your child’s growth and development
• Review medical history
• Discuss nutrition, sleep and emotional well-being
• Provide or update immunizations
• Complete any recommended screening labs
• Build a lasting, trusting relationship with your child

These visits are also a chance for you to ask questions and for your provider to catch any issues early, before they become bigger health concerns.

Why Both Visits Matter

Even if your child has a sports physical this year, it’s still crucial to schedule a well-child exam. Your child is growing, changing and developing every year — and your MHCS provider wants to ensure they’re staying on track in every area of health, not just the athletic ones.

Plus, kids who are familiar with their doctor and clinic tend to feel more comfortable during visits, making it easier to get care when they’re sick or need support.

Schedule your child’s well-child check today!
At Memorial Health Care Systems, we’re here to help your child thrive — on and off the field.