More than 400 student athletes get free physicals
6/13/2011
MedWest Sports Medicine offered free sports physicals to more than 400 middle and high school student athletes May 31 at MedWest Health & Fitness Center.
“This service demonstrates our commitment to the community and saves parents the cost of a comprehensive physical,” said Dr. Chris Catterson, medical director for MedWest Sports Medicine, formerly Haywood Sports Medicine.
MedWest Sports Medicine is a collaborative sports medicine program involving physicians, athletic trainers, rehabilitation, health and fitness center staff, as well as other medical professionals associated with MedWest-Haywood. These professionals donate their time to perform these individual pre-participation examinations and to complete forms required by the state for student athletes.
A team of physicians, physical therapists, other healthcare providers and volunteers donated their time and expertise to provide this complimentary service to the community. Participating physicians included Dr. Brian Caffrey, Dr. Chris Catterson, Dr. Paul Cutting, Dr. Nancy Freeman, Dr. Shannon Hunter, Dr. Gerald King, Dr. Mark Kinter, Dr. Robin Matthews, Dr. Al Mina, Dr. Kate Queen, Dr. David Peterson and Dr. Richard Steele, as well as nurse midwife Sally Schaefer and physician assistant Britt Warren.
All Haywood County sixth through 11th grade students who plan to participate in a school sports activity for the upcoming school year were eligible to have the free pre-participation physical. A physical exam is necessary each year for students to participate in athletics.
The physical exam includes a review of each student’s medical history, height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, vision, general medical condition, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular exams, as required by the N.C. Board of Education. If medical problems are detected, the student athletes and parents will be referred to their physician of choice for follow-up care.
For more information, call MedWest Sports Medicine at 452-8077.