JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
The 359th Medical Group is setting aside a Saturday morning in June to offer sports physical examinations to students between the ages of 10 and 18 at the Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Clinic.
The Youth Sports Physical Day, set for 7:30-11 a.m. June 22, is by appointment only for Randolph clinic-enrolled patients. Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
"Sports physicals are brief, focused exams conducted to ensure athletes are safe to participate in organized sports," Jennifer Mikos, 359th Medical Operations Squadron pediatrics registered nurse, said. "All patients will receive a vision screening as well as a physical exam."
Some components of the exam, such as the vision screening in the pharmacy waiting area, will be conducted in a group setting to maximize access, she said.
Other stations in the exam rotation are the immunization clinic for a check of shot records and administration of vaccines; physical therapy for a musculoskeletal screening; and family health for family history and vital signs as well as a hernia check for males.
Medical issues such as asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and medical refills will not be included in the exam.
Patients must bring a completed sports physical form from their school or a downloaded form from the University Interscholastic League website as well as immunization records, which may be downloaded from https://imr.afms.mil/imr/MyIMR.aspx, or a current copy of shot records.
If parents do not have a copy of their child's immunization records, staff members will be available to download them.
The event is geared to all students who will be participating in school-based sports programs during the 2013-14 school year, Maj. Jenny Spahr, 359th MDOS pediatric nurse practitioner, said.
However, she said sports physicals are offered throughout the year at the Randolph clinic.
"We prefer to see our younger patients for wellness visits, when we can provide sports physicals as well," Spahr said. "That is the best way to meet their needs."
Mikos said wellness visits for children ages 3 and older are recommended every year around the time of their birthdays.
"That way we can see them at every stage of development and attend to their immunizations and other needs," she said.
Students who attend the sports physical day are reminded to wear athletic attire that will be less constricting during portions of the exam when movement is required.
Mikos said the sports physical day is a 359th Medical Group effort to "meet the demands and needs of our population."
"The whole med group is participating in the event," she said.
Spahr said sports physical day will accommodate 240 students and should take each student at least an hour to complete. Times to start the physicals will be assigned to students.
To make an appointment for sports physical day, call the central appointment line at 916-9900.