Morrow County Health District has reconfigured services delivered to youth. The health care providers, in partnership with the school districts have moved from completing a traditional “sport physical” to a more comprehensive exam called an adolescent well care (AWC) exam. The exam will continue to be provided through the local primary care medical clinics and there will be no additional cost to you. The exam will include, if necessary, an evaluation for clearance to participate in sports/activities and completion of the required OSAA forms.

MCHD will not be providing the previously offered “sport physical” calendar days. MCHD and the Morrow County and Ione School Districts strongly encourage you to schedule appointments that work with your schedule as soon as possible to be prepared before the fall sport season is underway.

• Pioneer Memorial Clinic, Heppner (541) 676-5504
• Ione Community Clinic (541) 422-7128
• Irrigon Medical Clinic (541) 922-5880

Morrow County Health District cares about your Child’s Health!

Call today to schedule an Adolescent Well Care Appointment. This appointment covers the following topics:

• Diet and Exercise
• Dental Health
• Mental Health
• Academic Progress
• Social Behaviors and Decision making
• Injury prevention
• Physical Exam

The exam will include, if necessary, an evaluation for clearance to participate in sports/activities and the completion of the required OSAA forms.

American Academy of Pediatrics recommends comprehensive annual check-ups for adolescents. Adolescents who can easily access preventive health services are more likely to be healthy and able to reach milestones such as high school graduation and entry into the work force, higher education or military service. Physical, social and emotional changes during adolescence increase the need for continuous, comprehensive preventive services. Adolescents are laying the foundation for lifestyle and behaviors that persist into adulthood.

Sports Physicals and Teen Exams

Playing on a community or school sports team is a great way for teens to stay in shape and learn teamwork. That’s probably why more than 38 million American children and teenagers play at least one sport. Sports physicals are often required before teens can start on a team.

No matter which sport your teen plays — whether it’s soccer, football, baseball, track, or martial arts — there’s always a risk of getting hurt. The casualties of teen sports can range from minor sprained ankles and repetitive strains, to more serious conditions like heat stroke or exercise-induced asthma. Some kids have serious allergic reactions to bees and other stinging insects found around playing fields.

To avoid getting hurt or sick on the field, court, and track, teens need to be prepared. That preparation starts with seeing a health care provider for a sports physical to make sure their bodies are ready for the season ahead.

Some states won’t let young athletes start a season or play a new sport without first having a sports physical. Even if your state doesn’t require a sports physical, it’s a good idea for every teen who plays a sport to get one to make sure they’re in top shape and healthy enough to safely participate.

What Is a Sports Physical?

A sports physical — also known as a pre-participation physical examination — is a check-up to assess a teen’s health and fitness as it relates to a sport. It is not the same as a regular physical. During the sports physical, the health care provider looks for any diseases or injuries that could make it unsafe to participate in sports and reviews the family’s medical history to ensure additional tests are performed if necessary.

Sports Physical Form