It"s that time of the year again – school organizations across the county are gearing up for the sports and camp seasons. Nearly all schools mandate pre-participation “sports” physicals for athletes. They’re a familiar ritual for parents and athletes, but have you ever wondered why schools are so insistent about them?
They Assess Current Health Status.
A physical exam is just that — an examination to assess that the athlete is healthy enough to participate in the chosen sport. Certain common conditions can interfere with exertion, which often are overlooked until the sports history and physical: asthma and high blood pressure, for example.
They Prevent Future Complications.
Once a health issue has been discovered, it can be treated to prevent worsening, such as the aforementioned asthma, high blood pressure, or conditions like obesity that can lead to prediabetes and later diabetes. Caught early, a tendency towards diabetes can be halted or even reversed. Being examined on a regular basis is one of the best ways to prevent future health complications.
They Track Health Progression.
One of the many benefits of receiving regular exams is that your doctor can track how your fitness and health are progressing. Having that data allows your doctor to view your current and future health in the context of your past readings.
They Enhance Safe Sports Participation.
Sometimes athletes have conditions that will not prohibit them from participating in athletic activity, but will make participation more challenging. For example, those with joint pains may seek medical advice on how to modify workouts or practices to limit damage to those areas. And once in a great while, a condition will be found that could be dangerous or even lethal during play, and this identification is nearly impossible without a sports physical. Consulting with a doctor gives athletes and families the most options in determining what’s best for the individual.
While physicals may seem procedural, they are a valuable tool for optimizing your health. We suggest getting a pre-participation exam before engaging in moderately intense physical activity — especially if you’re starting from scratch – and repeating the exams annually as your body changes. The benefits are pretty clear-cut.
For a limited time, our sports and camp physicals are only $25. Our locations allow you to schedule an online appointment, so skip the wait and utilize this promotion before the sports season is over. Be sure to bring all camp, school or sports forms with you at the time of service. You can receive this special offer at Family Care Centers such as Woodbridge Walk-In in Irvine, Fountain Valley Urgent Care, or Costa Mesa Urgent Care.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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