Sport and exercise are extremely beneficial for health and well-being and have shown to improve muscle tone, energy levels, and lower the risk of many chronic diseases. As with any activity completed outdoors, athletes are exposed to larger amounts of the sun’s UV rays that could cause long term damage. Though UV rays provide vitamin D, which is necessary for the majority of us to maintain healthy minds and bodies, direct UV rays can lead to skin cancer if you spend too much time in the sun without the proper protection.

Best Ways for Athletes to Protect Themselves From the Sun:

• Avoid practice or competitive tournaments during high sun-exposure times, if possible.
• Use a sunscreen with minimum SPF 50; sport (water-resistant) sunscreens stand up better to perspiration and are more likely to remain active throughout the game.
• Wear adequate clothing when possible (i.e. tall socks, head wear, sunglasses etc.)

Other things to consider besides protecting your skin while playing sports is staying hydrated, appropriate stretching to decrease potential sport injury risks, and protecting the eyes.

Why Get a Sports Physical?

A sports physical exam refers to a Pre-Participation Physical Examination (PPE). This exam helps determine whether it’s safe for you to participate in a particular sport. The State of Wisconsin requires a sports physical every two years before participants can start a new sport or begin a new competitive season. “A pre-participation sports physical is designed to identify any high-risk disorders that may affect a student-athletes ability to participate in athletics. Our sports medicine team at WW Health will provide a comprehensive physical examination to allow proper guidance of the student-athlete throughout the course of the school year,” said Daniel Teece, Director of Rehabilitation Services.

WW Health is Offering Discounted WIAA Approved Sports Physicals

The Sports Medicine Team at Western Wisconsin Health (WW Health) is pleased to announce we are offering discounted WIAA approved sports physicals to area student athletes on Monday, July 9 from 4:00 -7:00 pm at the main campus and on Wednesday, July 11 from 4:00 -7:00 pm at the Roberts Clinic. The cost is only $25 on these two days!

These discounted sports physicals are only for participation in sports. If there are additional health concerns or immunizations needed, follow-up appointments and further testing may be required. Call 715-684-1111 to schedule your appointment.

NEW THIS YEAR!

In addition to optical screenings, Dr. Timothy Bevers, on-site Optometrist will be available to perform eye exams on Monday, July 9 at the Baldwin Campus. Optometry appointment scheduling will be available at the Roberts Clinic. Additional charges will apply. Learn more about our Optometry services and Dr. Bevers at wwhealth.org.

COMING SOON! We are thrilled to announce that WW Health will be opening its Optical Shop later this summer- stay tuned for more information!