Employment Physicals

What are Employment physicals?

If you have cleared a job interview, you might be asked to undergo an employment physical or a pre-employment physical. These physical examinations are becoming an important part of the hiring process. These physicals help the company choose people who just right for the company. If the job is a labor-intensive one with heavy lifting and bending, it becomes all the more important that the person being hired can meet the demands of the job. Pre-employment drug tests are also important in a sensitive industry.

Why are they important?

 These examinations enables identification of a health concerns of the candidate and helps him take care of it before it becomes a serious problem.
 The candidate can accept or decline the job offer based on his medical fitness and what the requirements of the job.
 It eliminates the possibility of any work related accidents.

Who needs employment physicals?

 Employees who are hired to work in environments that are hazardous.
 When an unfit employee may endanger the safety of the other workers.
 In some states the physical is mandatory by law.
 When the job demands a high fitness level.

What to expect at an employment physical?

 The physical may have physical examination, inquiries about your health, psychological tests and mental or physical health assessments.
 Drug screening
 Vaccination
 Past immunization records may have to be produced.

Sports Physicals

What are sports physical?

Sports physicals, also known as pre-participation physicals are a set of examinations that evaluates whether your child is fit to participate in the chosen field of sports. Children always benefit from participating in sports irrespective of their ages. They learn qualities and life skills like time management, team work, conflict resolution and competition. The gains from exercising and participating in sports almost always outweighs the risks they may pose. But it is also important that the child undergo a physical before the participation to make sure no harm comes to your child.

Why are they important?

 The physicals makes sure that your child is absolutely fit for participation.
 Regular physicals help ensure that your child stays healthy and any potential illness or injury can be diagnosed and treated immediately.
 Your healthcare provider may even have tips and ideas for better and injury free participation.
 Undergoing a sports physical is mandatory in many states.

What to expect in a Sports physical?

 A sports physical is very different than a usual physical as it is done with the particular sport in mind.
 It will be more specific and limited as compared to a standard physical.
 The child and parents must provide the healthcare provider with all the necessary information honestly and not try to hide any medical conditions and injuries
 Most children are cleared for participation. It is important that those who are asked to attend more follow up, do so.

School Physicals

What are school physicals?

School physical exams are a common requirement in most school districts. Children pick up germs and diseases at school and could potentially spread them to their parents, siblings, coaches and teachers. Many diseases can be found out from symptoms like sneezes, coughs, sniffles and such but many others so not exhibit immediate symptoms. This is the reason why physicals are so important.

Why is it so important?

 There are medical problems that make it hard for the child to concentrate and can negatively impact the child’s performance at school.
 A physical will identify any acute or chronic illness that your child may have and would help you take immediate actions to remedy it.’
 The Physical provides you with an opportunity to talk to the healthcare provider about any eating disorders, behavioral problems or sleeping difficulties your child may have
 Many illness can be treated if caught early.

Who needs a school physical?

 A child who has illnesses like asthma, diabetes or other diseases must have a physical done every year. It is of more importance if your child takes any medications for chronic illnesses.
 A healthy child needs to undergo physicals every 1 or 2 years.

What to expect during a physical?

 Like any other medical exam, the healthcare provider will weigh, measure and check the vital signs of your child.
 They will also examine the the child’s heart,lungs, abdomen,eyes,ears,nose and throat.
 Your child will be examined for strength and flexibility if he/she needs to participate in sports.
 It is important to follow up any medications or injury treatment with the healthcare provider.

Camp Physicals
What are camp physicals?
Camp physicals should be seen as opportunity for the children and guardians to discuss important issues related to health with the health care providers. The physicals make sure that the person is healthy and ensures that he is fit to join the activities offered in the camp. The individual will be examined and the complete medical history will be reviewed. It will also be made sure that he/she is up to date with all the immunizations recommended at his/her age. Information on prevention and identification of signs of concussion and other emergencies in young athletes is also generally provided.

Who needs camp physicals?
 Many states mention physicals as a mandatory requirement to be fulfilled before participation in any camps.
 These examination are necessary at least once a year.

What should you expect?
 On arrival, you will be asked to fill out a form that would let the health care provider know about the individual’s health history.
 He/she will be guided into a private examination room.
 The examination takes around 20 minutes.
 The results along with the medical history will be reviewed before determining whether the individual is healthy enough to participate in the activities offered at the camp.

What documents need to be carried?
 Any minors below the age 21 should be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or must produce a written consent.
 You must carry records of any medical problems or previous immunizations.