Our team at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah hopes you are as ready for sports season as we are! Did you bring your child in for a sports physical? If not, there’s still plenty of time to do so, as our urgent care center is open seven days a week for pediatric sports care and is conveniently located just across from Burger King on Little Debbie Parkway. However, if you have, then it’s time to get geared up for a new sports’ season! Put Safety First First, as mentioned prior, it’s important to be sure that your athlete has undergone a physical exam to ensure he or she is ready to handle the season ahead of him or her. AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah is equipped and ready to help your child through a sports physical at any time so that he or she can be safely prepared for the field. Second, you want to make sure the environment in which your child is playing sports this season—whether at school or through a community league—is able to safely handle the players and the sport being played. For instance, we all know that injuries can happen. Therefore, does the facility have a plan in place for when an injury does occur? If at a school, will an athletic trainer be on-site to ensure proper protocols are in place for preventing and handling injuries? Third, make sure the proper gear is being provided for your athlete, depending on the sport he or she has chosen. For instance, with football season underway, is your athlete dressed properly with a helmet, mouthpiece, knee pads, etc.? No matter what the sport, there are certain pieces of safety equipment that are a must before participating. Make sure your athlete has what he or she needs to protect himself or herself, while also ensuring it fits correctly. If the helmet is too big, it won’t do its job properly, and a serious injury can still occur. If your athlete is hurt while playing the sport he or she loves, we are open seven days a week for medical care. Visit AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah to be seen by a friendly and knowledgeable staff who can care for your loved one’s medical needs.