Kids Health Watch is Sponsored by Children’s Medical Group
Spring checkups and camp or sports physicals are often viewed as a “check the box” formality before summer activities begin. In reality, these visits serve a much broader purpose. As children prepare for increased physical activity, environmental exposures, and the social demands of camps and sports, a comprehensive health evaluation helps ensure they are ready.
During these visits, pediatricians start with assessments of your child’s height, weight, and vaccination status. A thorough review of a child’s medical history allows identification of chronic conditions that may require attention before the season begins. Asthma control, allergy management, seizure history, diabetes care, and mental health considerations are carefully reviewed to ensure children can safely participate in both camp and athletic activities.
Medication regimens are evaluated for accuracy, appropriate dosing, and practicality in camp and sports settings.
Vision and hearing screening are especially important, as unrecognized deficits can impact safety, learning, and social interaction during activities. Pediatricians also discuss sleep, nutrition, and hydration, all of which play a role in stamina, performance, and immune function while away from home. Physical development and musculoskeletal health are assessed as well, particularly for children participating in sports or camps involving physically demanding activities.
Camp and sports physicals also provide an opportunity to review preventive care. Vaccinations are updated as needed to protect both individual children and the larger community, where close contact increases the risk of illness spread. Pediatricians counsel families on injury prevention, sun protection, insect-borne illness prevention, and recognizing early signs of heat-related illness. It’s also a great time to get any of your questions answered.
Completing camp or sports physicals well in advance of summer allows time to optimize medical management, adjust treatment plans, and coordinate care with camp or coaching staff when needed. Rather than viewing these visits as administrative tasks, families should see them as an essential part of preparing children for a safe, healthy, and successful summer.
Author: Savannah Browning
Dr. Savannah Browning grew up in Fayette, AL. She moved to Mobile to attend Medical School at the University of South Alabama in 2009, and has been a proud Mobilian ever since. She joined Children’s Medical Group in 2016, and her office is at the Airport Boulevard location. She lives in Mobile with her husband, Andrew, and their three children: Jude, Luke, and Annie.
