Physical exams are often required for children attending summer camps. Your child’s camp physical assesses the risks summer camp could pose for him or her based on several factors. The list includes medical conditions, allergies, lack of immunizations, disabilities, and general health.
 
A pediatrician will check your child for any preexisting medical conditions that could be triggered by camp activities. There can also be a lot of allergens at summer camps that can trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks. To ensure your child is not at risk, your pediatrician will assess potential triggers and recommend medications, treatments, or precautions. It is important to review your child’s medical history with their pediatrician before sending them to summer camp, especially if they are attending for the first time. A camp physical is available at ESD Pediatric Group if your child has not yet completed one. To make sure enough time is available to catch up on lagging vaccinations or address medical concerns during the camp physical, you should schedule your child’s camp physical well in advance of the camp’s start date.

In many ways, the examination is similar to a physical exam. A pediatrician weighs and measures your child’s height, examines their eyes, reviews medical history, family history, and immunization records, assesses physical limitations, and dietary restrictions, and checks breathing and heart rate. As a result, your child and you are both sure your child will be able to take part in the summer camp, resulting in a positive summer camp experience for both of you.  
 
Your child will benefit from a camp physical by reducing the risk of potential injuries while away from home. The first step is to screen for preexisting conditions. Even if your child hasn’t had asthma for years, having a history of asthma is very important. It is still possible for a child with a history of asthma to attend camp, but he or she may need an inhaler just in case. If your child suddenly needs to use an inhaler, camp staff should be aware of this history.
 
Any ongoing medical conditions will also be reviewed as part of your summer camp physical. Your child may be unable to participate in certain activities due to a recently sprained ankle, for example. This screening will be crucial in order to prevent these potential health problems from becoming worse or causing undue suffering. Additionally, this screening provides a great opportunity to provide tips to prevent injury, re-injury, and harm.

Several criteria must be met for a camp physical to be successful. It is important for parents to bring any paperwork that the camp may have provided to document the physical examination. Before the exam, parents should complete the required sections. Records of medical history and immunizations will also be required. Additionally, parents should be prepared to discuss any concerns, injuries that might worsen, or health issues, new or old, with their pediatrician. Inhalers, eyewear, EpiPens, and any other medical devices your child may need must be brought along and used properly. To ensure your child’s comfort and to adequately check their joint and muscle reflexes, have your child wear loose-fitting clothes.

You can send your child off to summer fun worry-free with a camp physical that makes camp safer for everyone. Camp staff are on the lookout for your child’s safety and health as well as preparing you and your child for potential health threats as described above. Your child’s camp staff can also be informed of a potential recent injury so they can accommodate your child’s limitations without aggravating the injury.
 
They also ensure parents have the necessary medical equipment, such as an EpiPen or an inhaler, to ensure their child’s safety. Additionally, these exams prevent campers from spreading illnesses to one another. Contact ESD Pediatric Group to learn more about camp physical exams today. We have convenient locations to serve you. For more information, call us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Milford OH, Hyde Park OH, Cincinnati OH, Blue Ash OH, Montgomery OH, Loveland OH, Mt. Orab OH, Newtown OH, and Kenwood OH.