Essentia Health encourages scheduling sports physicals for 2025-26 school year – Pine and Lakes Echo Journal

BRAINERD — Essentia Health has started offering

sports physicals

for student-athletes, from middle school to college, that will be valid for next school year and beyond.

In Minnesota, sports physicals completed on or after April 13 are good for three years.

A sports physical, also known as a preparticipation physical examination, helps determine whether it’s safe for your child to participate in a certain sport. Most states, including Minnesota, require that student athletes have a sports physical before they can start a new sport (including any practices) or begin a new competitive season.

It is recommended that your child have their physical at least six weeks before their sports season begins so there is enough time to follow up on something if necessary.

“Sports physicals are a vital part of keeping student-athletes safe and healthy throughout their seasons,” Dr. Jonathan KenKnight, a pediatrician at Essentia Health, said in a news release. “They help us catch potential health concerns early and ensure that kids are physically ready to participate at their best. These visits also support overall wellness, helping kids stay healthy and active all year long.”

Forms are available online at

mshsl.org

. Complete and sign the appropriate form before your appointment and bring a copy when you come for your child’s physical. This form may also be completed via MyChart with an active account.

Sports physicals can be completed on their own or as part of a

well-child/teen visit

. Well-child/teen visits are a great time to review your child’s health in all areas — growth, cognitive and social development, illness prevention, mental health and more.

These visits are recommended annually.

Schedule these visits directly through your pediatrician or family medicine provider. Or schedule by calling 844-663-1068, online through

EssentiaHealth.org

or through your

Essentia MyChart account

.

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