Prior to participating in school sports, athletes who are 13 or older as of Aug. 1 are required to have a health care provider complete a Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) card. Scheduling an annual physical examination for your child will fulfill this requirement.

During the physical examination, your primary care provider will conduct a thorough examination of your child's body to ensure there are no problems. In addition, any injuries will be checked to ensure your child is recovering properly and ready for sports activity. Your child and the provider also will be able to discuss healthy eating, safe exercise practices and injury prevention while playing sports. At the conclusion of the examination, the provider will complete the WIAA card.

The examination also includes a review of immunization records to ensure your child is up to date with all required immunizations.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call your primary care provider's office.