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Sports physicals more critical in the wake of COVID-19

Written By: Laura Frnka-Davis | Updated: May 26, 2020
Sports Physicals

Sports physicals have always been an important way of detecting underlying issues in student athletes but are even more critical in the time of COVID-19.

As school districts and local authorities start outlining guidelines to reopen schools for the fall, parents can do their part by making sure their children get a routine sports physical.

Thomas J. Murphy, MD
Thomas J. Murphy, MD

“Participation in physical activity and school-related sports will be an essential part of our adaptation to the COVID-19 reality,” said Thomas J. Murphy, MD, assistant dean for health policy at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and chief medical officer for community-based clinics at UT Physicians. “The physical, social, and mental health benefits of sports are well established. A pre-participation sports physical is typically required before engaging in school-sponsored activities.”

In addition to overall health, school physicals are an important tool in detecting any underlying conditions that may result in sudden cardiac death, something that makes the headlines each school year.

Elizabeth W. Wang-Giuffre
Elizabeth W. Wang-Giuffre, D.O.

“An athlete’s performance and longevity are significantly affected by their hydration status, proper nutrition, and recovery protocol,” said Elizabeth Wang-Giuffre, DO, pediatric cardiologist with UT Physicians. “It is important for athletes to also work with their physicians to monitor their health over time because health and performance are intricately related.”

Select UT Physician clinics are offering sports physicals for $19 from now until Dec. 31, 2020.

These physicals provide an opportunity to evaluate the whole child before sports activities begin and discover potential areas of concern that may interfere with overall good health.

Different school districts have varying requirements for sports physicals this year due to COVID-19, so parents are strongly encouraged to check with their school district for guidance on this summer and next year’s requirement.

Call 888-4UT-DOCS to schedule an appointment today. The sports physical special is available for children ages 4 to 18.

UT Physicians Multispecialty – The Heights

925 N. Shepherd, Houston, 77008

UT Physicians Bayshore Family Practice

11452 Space Center Blvd., Houston, 77059

UT Physicians – Bellaire Family Medicine

5420 Dashwood, Suite 100, Houston, 77081

UT Physicians Multispecialty – Bellaire

6700 West Loop South, Suite 520, Bellaire, 77401

UT Physicians Multispecialty – Cinco Ranch

23923 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy, 77494

UT Physicians Multispecialty – Sienna

8810 Highway 6, Suite 100, Missouri City, 77459

UT Physicians Multispecialty – Greens

550 Greens Parkway, Suite 150, Houston, 77067

UT Physicians Pediatric Center – Cinco Ranch

10450 Spring Green Blvd., Suite B, Katy, 77494

UT Physicians Multispecialty – International District

10623 Bellaire Blvd., Suite C280, Houston, 77072

UT Physicians Multispecialty – Rosenberg

5115 Avenue H., Suite 701, Rosenberg, 77471

UT Physicians Multispecialty – Jensen

2620 E. Crosstimbers St., Suite 100, Houston, 77093

UT Physicians Multispecialty – Victory

7364 Antoine Dr., Houston, 77088

As the clinical practice of McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, UT Physicians has locations across the Greater Houston area to serve the community. To schedule an appointment, call 888-4UT-DOCS.