Physicals are comprehensive health examinations conducted to assess an individual’s overall well-being and physical fitness. These exams typically include a thorough review of medical history, vital sign measurements like blood pressure and heart rate, and a physical examination of various body systems.
At Family Health Care & Wellness Center in Hammond, Louisiana, we offer physicals tailored for school, work, and sports requirements. Schedule a physical exam for you or your child today by calling 985-543-6800 or filling out the form below.
School Physicals
School physicals, also known as school health examinations or back-to-school physicals, are comprehensive assessments conducted to ensure that students are healthy and ready to participate in educational activities. These physicals typically include several key components:
- Medical History Review: The healthcare provider reviews the student’s medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, and any ongoing medical conditions.
- Physical Examination: A thorough examination is conducted, which may include measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. The provider checks the student’s vision, hearing, and overall physical development.
- Immunization Review: The provider ensures that the student is up-to-date on required vaccinations, following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments.
- Health Counseling: The provider may offer advice on nutrition, exercise, sleep habits, and injury prevention tailored to the student’s age and developmental stage.
School physicals are essential for several reasons:
- Health Monitoring: They help detect health issues early, such as vision problems, hearing impairments, and chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes.
- Preventive Care: Physicals promote preventive healthcare by ensuring that students receive necessary vaccinations and screenings, protecting against infectious diseases and other health risks.
- Safety and Performance: They ensure that students are physically fit to participate in school activities, including sports, reducing the risk of injuries and promoting overall well-being.
- Educational Requirements: Many schools require a physical examination before enrollment or participation in sports programs to ensure the health and safety of all students.

Sports Physicals
Sports physicals, also known as pre-participation physical examinations (PPE), are comprehensive evaluations conducted to assess an athlete’s readiness to participate in sports activities safely. These exams typically include several key components:
- Medical History Review: The healthcare provider reviews the athlete’s medical history, including past injuries, surgeries, allergies, and any ongoing medical conditions like asthma or diabetes.
- Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination is conducted, which may include measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. The provider checks the athlete’s musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular health, and overall physical fitness.
- Assessment of Flexibility and Strength: The provider may evaluate the athlete’s flexibility, joint stability, and muscle strength to identify any weaknesses or areas of concern.
- Health Counseling: The provider may offer guidance on injury prevention, proper warm-up and cool-down techniques, nutrition, hydration, and safe training practices specific to the athlete’s sport.
Sports physicals are important for several reasons:
- Injury Prevention: They help identify any underlying health issues or physical conditions that could increase the risk of injury during sports participation.
- Cardiovascular Screening: They assess cardiovascular health to detect conditions like hypertension or heart abnormalities that could pose risks during physical exertion.
- Safe Participation: Sports physicals ensure that athletes are physically capable of participating in their chosen sport, minimizing the risk of sudden medical emergencies on the field or court.
- Compliance and Team Requirements: Many schools and sports organizations require athletes to undergo a sports physical before they can participate in practices, games, or tournaments, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Work Physicals
Work or employment physicals are comprehensive examinations conducted to evaluate an individual’s health and fitness for specific job requirements. These exams typically involve several key components:
- Medical History Review: The healthcare provider reviews the individual’s medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, and any ongoing medical conditions that could impact job performance or safety.
- Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination is conducted, which may include measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. The provider assesses overall physical fitness and screens for conditions that could affect the ability to perform job duties safely.
- Functional Assessment: Depending on the nature of the job, the provider may conduct additional tests to assess strength, flexibility, and mobility relevant to job tasks.
- Laboratory Tests: In some cases, the provider may order blood tests or other laboratory assessments to screen for conditions such as drug use or exposure to harmful substances, especially in safety-sensitive roles.
Work/employment physicals are important for several reasons:
- Occupational Safety: They ensure that employees are physically capable of performing job duties safely, reducing the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.
- Job Suitability: They assess whether an individual’s health status meets the physical demands and requirements of a particular job, helping employers make informed hiring decisions.
- Legal Compliance: Some industries and regulatory bodies require pre-employment physicals to comply with health and safety regulations and standards.
- Health Promotion: Work physicals promote overall health and wellness among employees by identifying and addressing health issues early, thereby supporting productivity and reducing absenteeism.
Schedule physicals in Hammond, Louisiana
Live in the greater Hammond, Louisiana area and need to schedule a physical for yourself or your child? Family Health Care & Wellness Center is here to help ensure you’re in peak health for school, work, or sports. Our experienced healthcare team offers comprehensive physical examinations that assess overall health, detect potential issues early, and provide personalized health recommendations. Whether it’s a school physical, sports physical, or employment physical, we prioritize your well-being with thorough care and attention to detail.
Call us at 985-543-6800 to schedule your physical or fill out the appointment request form below. Take the proactive step towards better health with Family Health Care & Wellness Center.