September is an ideal time to address preventive health needs and prepare for the upcoming fall and winter months. As school activities and fall sports get underway and respiratory illnesses become more common, taking a few proactive steps can help you and your family stay prepared.

At Keck Health in Wormleysburg, PA, we are highlighting three important areas this fall: sports physicals, vaccination review, and practical steps to prepare for respiratory illness season.

Whether your child needs a sports physical, you’re unsure about your vaccination status, or you’re looking for ways to reduce your risk of respiratory illness, fall is a good time to make your health a priority.

Sports Physicals for Fall Activities

Fall sports and school activities are underway, and many children need a sports physical before participating.

Scheduling a sports physical early can help ensure that required forms and evaluations are completed before participation. It also provides an opportunity to review your child’s health and identify any concerns that may be important for sports participation.

During a sports physical, we review your child’s medical history, medications, and allergies, along with blood pressure and vision.

We may also discuss previous injuries and musculoskeletal concerns, exercise-related symptoms, concussion and injury history, as well as nutrition, hydration, and sleep.

The goal is to evaluate overall readiness for sports participation and address any concerns before your child begins or continues an athletic activity.

Please bring any school or PIAA forms that need to be completed to your appointment.

Review Your Vaccination Status

September is also a good time to review your vaccination status before respiratory illness activity increases during the fall and winter.

Depending on your age, medical history, previous vaccinations, and individual risk factors, recommended vaccinations may include influenza, Tdap and tetanus, pneumococcal, shingles, and other age- or risk-based vaccinations.

At Keck Health, we can review your immunization history and discuss which vaccinations may be appropriate for you or your family.

Please note: Keck Health does not administer vaccinations in the office. However, we can discuss recommended vaccinations and help you identify appropriate locations where they can be received.

If you’re unsure which vaccinations you may need, reviewing your immunization history with your healthcare provider can help you better understand your preventive care needs.

Preparing for Respiratory Season

As fall and winter approach, simple preventive measures can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.

One of the most important steps is to stay home when you are sick. Avoiding close contact with others while experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness can help reduce the chance of spreading illness to family members, coworkers, classmates, and others in the community.

Good hand hygiene is another practical step. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer when appropriate.

Indoor air quality can also be an important consideration during the colder months. Adequate ventilation and cleaner indoor air can help reduce exposure to respiratory viruses.

It’s also important to know when to seek medical care. Contact your healthcare provider when symptoms are severe, concerning, or progressively worsening.

Make Preventive Health Part of Your Fall Routine

The beginning of fall provides a natural opportunity to review your family’s preventive healthcare needs before the winter season begins.

For children participating in sports, scheduling a physical early can help make sure required evaluations and forms are completed on time.

For adults and families, reviewing vaccination history and discussing age- and risk-based recommendations can help you stay prepared for the upcoming respiratory season.

Taking care of these needs early can also give you an opportunity to discuss other health concerns or preventive care needs with your primary care provider.

 

When Should You Contact Your Primary Care Provider?

If you have questions about a sports physical, vaccination history, preventive care, or a new health concern, contacting your primary care provider can help you determine the appropriate next step.

At Keck Health, we provide personalized primary care for individuals and families in Wormleysburg and surrounding communities.

Whether you need a sports physical, a vaccination discussion, preventive care, or evaluation of a new health concern, our team is here to help.

The Bottom Line on Fall Health Preparation

Fall is a good time to take a proactive approach to your health. Scheduling sports physicals, reviewing vaccination status, practicing good hand hygiene, paying attention to indoor air quality, and knowing when to seek medical care can help you and your family prepare for the months ahead.

At Keck Health, we believe preventive care is an important part of staying healthy throughout the year.

As fall begins, take the opportunity to review your healthcare needs and make your health a priority.