As fall sports kick off in West Michigan, parents know how important it is to make sure their children are healthy, safe, and ready to perform their best. At WellCare Urgent Care in Grand Rapids, our team of experienced physicians and providers offers convenient, thorough sports physicals that help children start the season strong while also protecting their long-term health.
What Happens During a Sports Physical?
A sports physical exam focuses on evaluating your child’s overall health, fitness level, and ability to participate in sports safely. During the exam, our doctors and providers will:
- Review your child’s medical history and family medical history, including medications, immunizations, and supplements.
- Measure blood pressure, heart rate, height, and weight.
- Examine the head, neck, lymph nodes, lungs, and abdomen.
- Evaluate muscle strength, flexibility, and joint stability to identify any risk of injury.
- Discuss any prior illnesses, injuries, or concerns, such as high blood pressure, neck injuries, or recurring pain.
Parents often ask how long a physical exam takes; typically, you can expect the evaluation and discussion to last 20–30 minutes.
Why Are Physical Exams Necessary?
A yearly physical or annual physical exam is an important form of preventive care that helps ensure your child is safe to participate in athletics while also supporting their long-term health. These physicals allow doctors to detect underlying symptoms or conditions, such as high blood pressure or even early signs of stroke symptoms, and they make it possible to diagnose and address potential severe injuries or risks before they become serious.
They also provide a valuable opportunity to discuss exercise, wellness, vaccinations, or the need for a referral to a specialist if necessary. By identifying issues early, parents can save both time and money, avoiding unnecessary tests, emergency procedures, or costly emergency room visits later on. For both children and adults, staying consistent with annual physicals is a simple yet powerful way to maintain good health and overall wellness.
Unique Offerings at WellCare Urgent Care
Unlike many other urgent care clinics, WellCare Urgent Care in Grand Rapids goes beyond offering just a basic checkup by providing families with a wide range of services designed for both convenience and comprehensive care. Patients have access to same-day appointments or the ability to schedule an appointment online, making it easy to fit a visit into a busy schedule.
Our clinic is led by experienced physicians like Dr. George Varughese, who understands the unique health needs of active families and takes the time to address individual concerns. We also provide on-site tests and procedures to quickly evaluate and treat common symptoms such as urinary tract infections, neck injuries, or severe sprains, helping patients avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room.
Actionable Tips for Parents
To help your child stay safe and healthy this season:
- Schedule a sports physical exam early to avoid delays in participation.
- Bring your child’s medical history, including prior injuries or illnesses, to the clinic.
- Pack any required forms, recent immunizations, and a list of medications.
- Encourage your child to maintain good health with proper rest, hydration, and balanced nutrition.
- Address any concerns about pain, discomfort, or unusual symptoms with your doctor before the season begins.
Why Choose WellCare Urgent Care and Dr. George Varughese?
At WellCare, we believe in helping our patients maintain good health while avoiding unnecessary costs and procedures. Under the leadership of Dr. George Varughese, our clinic emphasizes preventive care, thoughtful diagnosis, and practical treatment guidelines. Whether you’re scheduling a sports physical, a yearly physical, or simply need convenient care for sudden illness or injury, schedule an appointment online and give your child the best start to their fall sports season.
