Fairview offering free physical exams for student athletes

(FOX 9) - With the start of the new school year around the corner, youth sports programs across the metro are gearing up for the new season.

In an effort to make sure kids are healthy and active heading into the season, Fairview is offering free physicals for student athletes.

“We’ve been doing sports physical events for a number of years, offering them at no charge to athletes and their families,” said Dr. Scott Ahrenholz, who specializes in sports medicine.

At clinics throughout the area, healthcare professionals screening for cardiac conditions and issues that affect the muscles, ligaments and bones.

“We do our best to pick up on any medical condition that would make them unsafe to participate,” Dr. Ahrenholz said.

With the spotlight on student athletes and concussions in recent years, Dr. Ahrenholz said routine check-ups can be potentially life-saving.

“There have also been times when we’ve picked up on other aspects of the exam, like needing vision correction or screening blood pressures, or other cardiac conditions,” he said.

Putting the health and safety of student athletes first, Dr. Ahrenholz said it's important to stay ahead of the game on and off the field.

“Participating in an event like this early on in the process allows for us to make sure kids are as healthy as they can be,” he said.

As an added bonus, all of Fairview’s sports physicals meet Minnesota State High School League qualifications.   

Physicals are being held all over the state, including Pine City, Chisago City, Blaine and Apple Valley.

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