Get Ready for Fall Sports: Essentia Health Hosts Walk-In Sports Physicals and Immunization Blitzes This July!

To help student-athletes gear up for the upcoming 2025-26 sports season, Essentia Health will hold walk-in sports physical and immunization events during the last week of July. These events will take place from July 28 to August 1, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., at the Essentia Health-South University Clinic and Essentia Health-The Lights West Fargo Clinic.

These clinics will provide vaccinations for kids up to age 18, and the sports physicals are crucial for anyone looking to join school sports. Most states, including North Dakota and Minnesota, mandate a sports physical for participation. This check-up helps spot health issues that could affect performance or raise the risk of injuries. In North Dakota, a sports physical is valid for one year, while in Minnesota, it lasts for three years. You can find the required forms on ndhsaa.com for North Dakota and mshsl.org for Minnesota.

A sports physical can be done separately or as part of a comprehensive well-child or teen visit. This visit is a fantastic chance to assess your child’s health in various areas like growth, mental health, and illness prevention.

Athletes will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost for sports physicals is $57 if you don’t have insurance. If you include a well-child or teen check-up, most insurance plans cover it, so check with your provider. You don’t need to be an existing Essentia patient to participate.

While appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are always welcome. If you’d like to schedule a visit, you can call (701) 364-8900.

Key Insights

Research from the National Federation of State High School Associations shows that nearly 8 million high school students participate in sports annually, highlighting the growing importance of physical health checks.

Also, a 2021 study revealed that student-athletes are at a higher risk for mental health issues, making these check-ups even more critical for their overall well-being. Regular physicals not only keep athletes safe but also provide an opportunity for discussions on mental health and other concerns.

These health checks are more than just a requirement; they’re an essential step in ensuring our youth are healthy, ready, and safe to enjoy their sports.

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