Essentia Health to offer sports physical blitzes in July

To help student-athletes prepare for the fall 2024 sports season, Essentia Health will offer several sports physical blitzes in late July.

These blitzes will be held at the below clinics on the following dates and times:

Essentia Health-The Lights West Fargo Clinic

• 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, July 22, through Wednesday, July 24
• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, July 25, through Friday, July 26

Essentia Health-South University Clinic

• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, July 22, through Friday, July 26

Vaccinations will also be available, and the blitzes are open to all ages.

A sports physical helps determine whether it's safe for your child to participate in a certain sport. Most states, including North Dakota and Minnesota, require that student-athletes have a sports physical before they can start a new sport (including any practices) or begin a new competitive season. A sports physical is valid for one year in North Dakota and three years in Minnesota.

Please complete and sign the appropriate form available online at ndhsaa.com (North Dakota) and mshsl.org (Minnesota) before your appointment and bring a copy with you. As of July 15, this form may also be completed via MyChart with an active account. 

A sports physical can be completed on its own or as part of a well-child/teen visit. Please check with your insurance plan for coverage. Well-child/teen visits are a great time to review your child's health in all areas — growth, cognitive and social development, illness prevention, mental health and more. These visits are recommended annually.