Taking The Stress Out Of Summer Camp Physicals

Only a few weeks remain in the school year and the end of classes signals the start of summer camp. According to the American Camping Association, more than 8 million kids a year attend summer camp. However, before children can step foot in a cabin or take a lap in a lake, they must first get a clean bill of health. Physicals are mandatory for admission into nearly any summer camp in the state.

“Clearly, no summer camp wants the liability of accepting a camper who has an unstated medical condition,” said Dr. Iftikhar Ali , Medical Director of American Family Care (AFC). “Camp physicals are required to ensure children are fit to attend summer camp and participate in various physical activities.”

For parents, the process of researching and choosing a camp is like a sneak peek of what they’ll have in store when the college search rolls around. To add to the stress, they must find time to take their child to the doctor for a camp physical, often only available during work and school hours.

AFC urgent care centers in West Hartford, New Britain, Vernon, Torrington Danbury are striving to take the stress out of process by offering 20-minute head-to-toe physicals that are very inexpensive, with no appointment needed. Parents should be aware that insurance does not cover these physicals. Additionally, the center is open nights, weekends and holidays to make the process all the more convenient.

“We want to make sure parents realize that 20-minutes doesn’t mean incomplete,” said Dr. Ali. “Every AFC urgent care center is staffed with highly trained medical personnel who rapidly and efficiently examine and treat patients, but not at the expense of thoroughness.”

During physicals at AFC, clinicians checks vitals, vaccination history and eyesight. They also screen for diseases that may cause debilitation or even death as a result of extreme exertion or heat exhaustion. Potential conditions include cardiac disease, sickle cell traits and previous history of heat stroke.

One of the most important parts of the sports physical is examining the strength of the heart. Though it is rare, some children are born with a heart condition that can go undetected during regular physicals. Strenuous physical activity can trigger a serious cardiac event which could be fatal. Heart condition screening is offered in most sports physicals and can help prevent this from happening.

“There are always tragic stories you hear on the news about a young person dying on an athletic field or in a camp-like setting due to an undetected condition,” said Dr. Ali. “Via our physicals, we’re able to accurately gauge the health risks of a child to put parents at ease and meet camp requirements.”

AFC physicians can also provide parents and athletes with tips on how to prevent injury, including instructions simple stretches and exercises that can be done before a game or practice.
Dr. Ali also urges parents to list AFC urgent care as the preferred provider for the camp to send the ill or injured child to if he or she does not have an imminent life threating issue. “With our Emergency Medicine expertise, X-ray facilities, IV fluid capabilities and in-house lab, we can provide sprain, strain, fracture care, laceration repair and treat dehydration in addition to a myriad of other medical problems, so that you don’t need to wait for hours in the Emergency Department for treatment.”

This is also the ideal time to complete a child’s annual school physical and get caught up on any vaccinations they may have missed. Some schools have mandatory vaccination requirements that children need to meet before they can be enrolled for the new school year.

AFC locations are open Monday through Friday from 8 am-8 pm and weekends from 8 am-5 pm. No appointment is required and care is dispensed with the utmost quality and efficiency. The centers are located at 1171 East Main St. Torrington CT; 135 East Main St., New Britain CT; 1030 Boulevard West Hartford, CT; 179 Talcottville Rd., Vernon, CT; Danbury locations 2 Main St., 100 Mill Plain Rd & 76C Newtown Rd). All locations offer convenient, private parking.

For more information visit www.afcurgentcare.com.