DOVER — From goalies to pitchers and even pin-hungry wrestlers, Delaware’s high school athletes will be returning to sports activities with the start of the school year. To start the season on a healthy note, a sports physical is required for most. Bayhealth offers sports physicals at Occupational Health locations in Dover and Milford. 

Many schools require students to have a sports physical, or a pre-participation exam, before they take on the competition. This is for physicians to determine whether it’s safe for an athlete to participate in a sport in addition to checking on their overall health and wellness. 

The purpose of a sports physical is to:

• Help athletes assess and deal with health problems that may or may not interfere with their participation
• Identify risk factors that are associated with certain sports
• Ensure that any chronic or existing medical conditions are properly managed
• Provide tactics and strategies to help prevent injuries and emphasize safe participation in sports
• Assess your student athlete’s current fitness and general health

Bayhealth’s physicians will check children’s vitals, joints, eyesight and flexibility. Additionally, a medical history review will be completed, as an understanding of the child’s past illnesses, injuries, surgeries or relevant conditions will help detect problems and prevent issues in the future. 

Athletes should dress in comfortable, athletic clothing for the exam. Also, having an open and honest conversation with the physician will set the athlete up for success in the long run. They can make recommendations based on any medical issue the child may be experiencing so they can recover fully and quickly. 

Visit the website or call 678-1303 for Bayhealth Occupational Health, Dover or 430-5705 for Bayhealth Occupational Health, Milford to schedule an appointment.