MeritCare says no to sports physicals,
Yes to prventative-care exams
The 1999 school year marks the first time MeritCare has not offered sports physicals to student athletes. Rather, MeritCare strongly encourages student athletes — and all young people for that matter — to have a comprehensive preventive-care exam. MeritCare has considered this step for several years, and in taking it, follows a national trend toward comprehensive exams.
"We know this is not a popular decision, but as advocates for children and for young student athletes, it's something we, in good conscience, must do," says Craig Shoemaker, M.D., medical director of MeritCare Children's Hospital. "There's no way a five-minute sports physical can offer the kind of preventive care we know young people need and benefit from. Our children deserve better." (For readers who are unfamiliar with the sports physical, it's a brief physical students from grade six on up must pass in order to participate in school sports programs.)
It's no surprise the preventive-care exam costs more than a sports physical, but it covers a lot more, too. In addition to a physical exam, it addresses health and safety habits, social development, emotional well being and family relationships. Student athletes have an opportunity to learn more about topics such as the effects of performance-enhancing drugs and the importance of proper nutrition. "These are issues a five-minute physical can't begin to address, but they're important because they directly relate to the health, safety and development of young people," says Dr. Shoemaker.
Cynthia "Sam" Booth agrees. When she was head athletic trainer at Moorhead State University, she made the change and required a full physical for student athletes. Booth says the benefits of preventive care exams are numerous. "What's missing [from a five-minute physical] is the time spent getting a good health history not only the athlete's but the family history, too. If you run 200-250 athletes through in a short period of time, something will be missed."
If you're a student athlete and haven't had your sports physical yet, call your local MeritCare Clinic and schedule an appointment for a preventive-care exam. And remember, exams are good for two years in North Dakota and three years in Minnesota.
And parents, even if your son or daughter is not in sports, consider the preventive-care exam. Many health-insurance plans cover it, but beyond that, catching problems early has value money can't buy. "One more adult getting involved in a young person's life — asking questions others might be reluctant to ask — could make a real difference," says Dr. Shoemaker.
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