Physicals Are Vital to Keeping Your Children Safe at Camp and Reducing Summer Sports Injuries

SHOULD WE HAVE OUR CHILD GET A PRE-CAMP PHYSICAL?

It would be determined by how adventurous the camp is. The Scouts, for example, will often have high activity levels with mountain climbing, scuba diving, etc. If it’s something like that with high adventure, and your child isn’t used to it, you should ensure your child is healthy and safe to participate in by getting a pre-camp physical. If your child is doing activities they’ve safely participated in before, and they’ve either visited their pediatrician for their annual physical or done a sports physical through their school recently, then you probably don’t need it again if they’ve been deemed healthy.

WHAT IS TYPICALLY INCLUDED IN A PRE-CAMP PHYSICAL?

The priority list with kids usually starts with immunizations. Infectious diseases are more of a concern in the post-pandemic world, and this is a chance to answer any questions the family may have on a particular vaccine and get the kids caught up on shots they need based on their age. Beyond that, screening their cardiovascular health can ensure they are not at a heightened risk of a sudden cardiac event that, while statistically rare, is always a concern with athletic children. You want to focus on any family history of cardiovascular disease and ask if they’ve experienced dizziness, chest pain, fainting spells, etc., in addition to a good physical exam. Physicals can also include a variety of additional tests.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MY CHILD FROM GETTING A SUNBURN?

We’ve all had moments when our children went to a day camp or overnight camp and returned with a sunburn. It can happen to anyone, so we must ensure they are prepared. Depending on the situation, campers may be responsible for bringing their own sunscreen, or perhaps there is sunscreen available. Either way, you never want them to go without due to miscommunications. For any child, you must have quality sunscreen that they can tolerate and isn’t expired. You want them to understand the importance of reapplying sunscreen on their back, shoulders, and arms to protect themselves and wear hats and protective clothing. The sunscreen level doesn’t have to be 100, but it should be at or above SPF level 30.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES?

You should emphasize hydration, particularly if your child isn’t used to participating in sports and isn’t oriented to being in the sun for long periods. They should prehydrate, hydrate during the activity, and drink afterward. If they are thirsty, they are dehydrated and could end up with a heat-related illness. They should always have ample time to take those water breaks to stay ahead of the thirst.

SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR HEAD PROTECTION IN SPORTS?

We are still learning so much about concussions and head injuries. Depending on the sport or activity, it’s important to be cautious and ensure your child is not only wearing a helmet but also fitting into it properly. If you have any questions about your child’s safety, don’t hesitate to contact your family doctor or pediatrician and ask questions.  

Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. Methodist Family Health Centers are owned and operated by MedHealth/Methodist Medical Group and are staffed by independently practicing physicians who are employees of MedHealth/Methodist Medical Group. The physicians and staff who provide services at these sites are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System or any of its affiliated hospitals.