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For Immediate Release

For more information, contact:
Kitty Hietala, 507-233-1209

Sports physicals: A key ingredient to a successful season

NEW ULM, Minn. 07/17/2008--It's common knowledge that playing sports keeps a person fit and is a great way to make friends. What may be less obvious is why the physical that may be required prior to the sports season is so important.

Many sports programs actually require that children and teens have a sports physical before they can start a new sport or a new season. Even if they aren't required, physicians highly recommend them because they help determine if it's safe for an individual to participate in a particular sport.

There are two parts to a sports physical: the medical history and the physical exam.

• The medical history includes questions about family history; prior illnesses and medical conditions; previous hospitalizations, surgeries or injuries; allergies; whether you've ever passed out, felt dizzy, had chest pain or had trouble breathing during exercise; and any medications you may be taking.
• During the physical exam, the nurse will usually record weight and height; take blood pressure and pulse; and perform a vision test. The doctor will check the patient"s heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose and throat; and will evaluate posture, joints, strength and flexibility.

"A sports physical is so important because it can help you find out about and deal with health problems that might interfere with your participation in a sport," said Scott Rysdahl, MD, a family medicine physician at New Ulm Medical Center. "It is also a chance for us to touch base medically with a patient who may not have come in for an annual exam and to discuss things like healthy habits and immunizations."

It is ideal if a person can have his or her sports physical several weeks in advance of beginning the season, so there's time to follow up on something if necessary. Follow up might be something as minor as having their blood pressure rechecked a week or two after the physical, or it may include a referral to a sports medicine specialist.

In fact, Rysdahl said, a referral to a specialist may actually help an athlete's performance. For example, if you are experiencing pain when you perform a certain move in basketball, an orthopedist or a sports medicine specialist can help you determine why this might be happening. It's very rare that an athlete is disqualified from participating in their chosen sport.

"In the end, the goal of the sports physical is to ensure the safety of the athletes, not to disqualify them," said Rysdahl. For more information about sports physicals, call New Ulm Medical Center at 507-233-1000 or visit www.newulmmedicalcenter.com.

About New Ulm Medical Center

Part of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, New Ulm Medical Center is a not-for-profit regional medical center, including a hospital and clinic, committed to providing exceptional care and improving the health of the communities it serves in and around Brown County. Information about New Ulm Medical Center's services, along with the latest health information, can be found online at www.newulmmedicalcenter.com.

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