Doctors Express Englewood Stresses the Importance of Routine Sports Physicals This Fall

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - Sept. 4, 2014 - PRLog -- In light of the new school year beginning, Alison Hare, Practice Administrator at Doctors Express Englewood, is stressing the importance of students undergoing routine physicals in order to maintain their overall health and also in an effort to detect conditions before they progress or become serious.

"Whether it’s a vision issue or something that comes back irregular on a child’s EKG, all portions of the exam are important and have the potential to reveal something more serious in a child," Hare states in regards to the importance of sports and school physicals.

School and sports physicals are particularly important in that they give physicians the opportunity to detect potentially dangerous medical conditions before they worsen. Though the majority of children and young adults are generally healthy, there are instances in which a physical is able to reveal a condition that requires further attention, testing, or treatment by a specialist. According to Hare, these physicals are essential.

"It’s meant to serve as preventive care; who wouldn't want the opportunity to potentially prevent something more serious from happening to their child?" asks Hare.

Typically, sports and school physicals consist of "a general review of the different body systems, vision test, vitals are taken, and for patients over 60lbs an EKG is completed," according to Hare. These physicals are often required by most schools and sports programs in order for a child to attend school or participate in extracurricular athletic activities.

A Michigan teen made headlines a few years ago when she underwent a routine sports physical and a small lump was discovered on her neck. The lump was later determined to be thyroid cancer. After having her thyroid removed, the teen fully recovered and went on to live a healthy life. This case illustrates the significance of routine physicals for sports and schools, as well as their preventative abilities.

Doctors Express Englewood is an urgent care clinic that offers a wide variety of health and medical care. The clinic can help treat ear infections, flu symptoms, broken bones and more. Along with a convenient location, Doctors Express Englewood also offers after hour care. To learn more, visit www.doctorsexpressenglewood.com.