St. David's CareNow® offers discounted sports physicals, shares injury prevention tips

Austin, Texas — St. David’s CareNow® Urgent Care clinics are now offering sports physicals for children grades K-12 at a discounted rate of $35 each. Weekday and weekend appointments are available May 1 through August 31 at all clinic locations in Central Texas.

Sports physicals are often required for student athletes, as well as marching band and color guard members, so it’s important for parents and students to check school guidelines for pre-participation requirements prior to training camps and summer practices.

Zachary Cerini, M.D., market medical director at St. David’s CareNow® Urgent Care, encourages families to make children’s health and safety a priority by scheduling a pre-season sports physical. “A pre-participation physical helps uncover any underlying health issues that could impact a child’s ability to safely take part in sports,” Dr. Cerini said.

All students under age 18 who receive a sports physical from St. David’s CareNow® must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. EKGs are not included in the promotional price.

Additionally, students should bring:

• All necessary forms and vaccination records to the appointment
• Any medications the student takes regularly
• Glasses or contacts (if worn)

The most common injuries in youth sports are sprains, strains, bruises, growth plate injuries, repetition motion injuries and heat-related illness. In addition to getting a physical, doctors recommend the following in order to prevent injuries:

• Maintain a healthy diet
• Exercise regularly
• Stay hydrated
• Don’t encourage “playing through the pain”

Learn more information about youth sports physicals and other St. David’s CareNow® services.