Whether your child is heading to camp, joining a sports team, starting a new school year or returning to daycare, making sure their health information is up to date can help set them up for a safe and successful experience.

From annual checkups and required health forms to medication planning and immunizations, Summit Health offers the following guidance to help families prepare.

Back-to-Camp Physical

Even if your child is healthy, many day and sleepaway camps require proof of a completed physical before your child can attend. A pre-camp physical can also help identify and address potential health concerns before camp begins.

During a camp physical, your child’s provider may:

• Review their medical history and check for pre-existing or new health conditions
• Review medications and dietary supplements
• Conduct a general physical exam, including the ears, eyes, nose, throat, heart, lungs and abdomen
• Review immunization history to make sure your child is up to date on recommended vaccines

Medications While at Camp

If your child takes medication regularly, plan ahead before camp begins. Some sleepaway camps may require prescriptions to be sent to a designated or nearby pharmacy for dispensing, which may require authorization from your child’s provider.

Your child’s provider may also need to approve any over-the-counter medications your child is permitted to take while at camp. Check with the camp early so you have enough time to complete any required paperwork or prescriptions.

Back-to-Sports Physical

Many states, including New Jersey, require children to receive medical clearance before participating in a new school sport or competitive season.

A sports physical, also called a pre-participation physical examination (PPE), reviews your child’s current health, fitness level and medical history to determine whether it is safe for them to participate in a particular sport.

A sports physical may identify a health concern that should be addressed before play begins. For example, a child with asthma may benefit from changes to their treatment plan to help manage symptoms during exercise.

Sports physicals can also be an opportunity to discuss injury prevention, training, nutrition and other ways to help young athletes stay healthy throughout their season.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends completing sports clearance as part of a child’s annual well visit whenever possible. Following certain injuries, including concussions, an additional sports clearance examination may be needed.

Because sports clearance requirements can vary, families should make sure their child’s annual well visit is up to date and review any specific requirements from their school, team or athletic organization.

Back-to-Sports Physical

Most states, including New Jersey, require that kids receive sports clearance before they can start a new school sport or begin a new competitive season. A sports physical, or pre-participation physical examination (PPE), focuses on reviewing your child’s current health status and fitness level, as well as medical history to determine whether it’s safe for your child to participate in a certain sport.

A sports physical may identify an issue that may require additional care before play. For example, if your child has frequent asthma attacks, a doctor might be able to prescribe a different type of inhaler or adjust the dosage so that your child can breathe easier when they run. Your child’s doctor may even provide good training tips and ideas for avoiding injuries. Additionally, sports physicals can spark important conversations about preventive screenings and proper nutrition to keep young athletes fueled.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that clearance for sports participation occur during the annual well visit if possible. However, in the event of an injury or concussion, a separate sports clearance exam may be required. A sports clearance must be within one year of a physical exam, so it’s important to make sure your child’s annual well visit is up to date.

What Does a Sports Physical Include?

A sports physical generally includes two components: a review of your child’s medical history and a physical examination.

Medical history may include a review of:

• Serious illnesses among family members
• Conditions such as asthma, diabetes or epilepsy
• Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
• Allergies
• Past injuries, including concussions, sprains or fractures
• A history of fainting, dizziness, chest pain or difficulty breathing during exercise
• Current medications

The physical examination may include:

• Height, weight and vital signs
• Vision screening
• Evaluation of exercise and respiratory function
• Examination of the heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose and throat
• Assessment of neurological and musculoskeletal function, including posture, joints, flexibility, reflexes and strength

The goal of a sports physical is to help make sure your child can participate safely. If your child does not receive clearance immediately, it does not necessarily mean they will be unable to play.

Your child may be referred to a specialist, such as a cardiologist or pulmonologist, for additional evaluation or treatment before the season begins. This can help reduce the risk of injury or other health concerns and allow your child to participate as safely as possible.

Back-to-School Physical

An annual physical is an important part of preparing for a new school year and making sure your child meets applicable health requirements.

A well visit looks beyond your child’s physical health. Your pediatrician also evaluates developmental, emotional and social well-being and monitors important milestones as your child grows.

Depending on your child’s age, the visit may also provide an opportunity to discuss topics such as:

• Nutrition and physical activity
• Sleep
• Puberty
• Peer pressure
• Healthy relationships
• Drugs and alcohol
• Mental and emotional well-being
• School-related stress or anxiety

Regular well visits give children, teens and parents an opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns with a trusted health care provider.

Back-to-Daycare

Many daycare and preschool programs require a completed health form before a child can attend. Children may also need to be up to date on required immunizations.

Families should review the current child care and preschool immunization requirements for their state and check with their child’s daycare or preschool for any additional health documentation that may be required.

Patient Forms for School, Camp and Sports

Health forms are an important part of preparing for school, camp and athletic activities. Your child’s provider reviews and signs required forms to confirm that there are no known health concerns that would make participation unsafe.

The office can help determine which forms are needed based on the type of appointment or activity.

Parents should complete all requested medical history questions before the exam and provide accurate, up-to-date information about their child’s health, medications, allergies and previous illnesses or injuries.

Allow plenty of time before school, camp or sports begin to complete required appointments and paperwork.

Keep Your Child’s Vaccinations Up to Date

Keeping your child on schedule with recommended vaccinations is an important part of protecting their health.

Parents and caregivers should be familiar with the recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule and make sure their child is up to date, especially before beginning school, daycare, camp or other group activities.

Your child’s pediatrician can review their immunization history, answer questions and help determine which vaccines may be due.

Making time for an annual well visit can help ensure your child is ready for the activities ahead. Your Summit Health pediatrician is here to help with physicals, immunizations, health forms and any questions you may have about your child’s health.