Samaritan Healthcare | The Samaritan | Fall 2018

Fall 2018 5 Game on! A sports physical can help your child get ready to play Looking for a new doctor? 5 questions to ask yourself Everything is easier with teamwork, including protecting your health. That’s why it’s important to have a doctor you trust. You’ll have someone to turn to when you’re sick. And you’ll also have a partner who can help you stay well. When deciding on a doctor, ask yourself: Is the doctor in my insurance network? If not, out-of-pocket expenses may be greater. Is the doctor’s office conveniently located? And will the office hours work for me? Is it hard to get an appointment? Ask office staff. Which hospital does the doctor use? Make sure it’s one you’re happy with. Am I comfortable with the doctor? See about getting an ap- pointment and speaking in person. Try to get a sense of whether the doctor will be easy to talk with, spend enough time with you, and explain things in ways you understand. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institutes of Health 1 2 3 4 5 If you don’t have a provider, call 793-9770 to make an appointment with one of ours. Elaine Peterson, DO, enjoys seeing children of all ages and is currently accepting new patients. Call 793-9787 . Is your child on a school sports team? Then you already know that competitive sports are a great way for your child to stay in shape, make new friends and learn the value of teamwork. But you might not know why it’s important for your child to get a sports physical, ideally about four to six weeks before the season starts. That’s true even if your child’s school doesn’t require one. Off to a safe start This physical is a chance for a doctor to make sure it’s safe for your child to begin a new sports season or sport. The doctor will look for any health prob- lems that could possibly be a danger during a game or practice. He or she might find some- thing that can be treated or managed so your child doesn’t have to sit on the sidelines. The doctor can also: ■  ■ Help your child play safely with a known health problem. For instance, a child with asthma may need a change in medicine to better control the condition while playing a sport that requires lots of running. ■  ■ Talk to your child about how to avoid sports injuries— for example, by advising stretching or strengthening activities—and how to steer clear of overuse and overtrain- ing injuries. ■  ■ Discuss nutritional needs. Getting the right amount of calories and eating healthy are important. But as valuable as these physicals are, they shouldn’t replace your child’s yearly well-child visit. A one-on-one doctor visit allows for a more thorough checkup. And it’s also an op- portunity for a doctor to address any health- related concerns you or your child might have. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; National Institutes of Health