Ozarks Healthcare is partnering with local schools this spring to provide free sports physicals during school hours, making it easy for students of all ages to get cleared for sports and activities, officials announced.
Schools will distribute physical forms for parents to complete and return on the scheduled day. Families should contact their school office or nurse for more information and to obtain a form.
Incoming seventh through 12th graders attending any West Plains High School summer athletic camps are required to have a current physical on file.
Routine physical exams are essential to helping kids stay active and healthy. Sports physicals not only ensure students are ready to participate in physical activity safely, but they also provide an opportunity to detect any underlying health concerns that could impact a child’s well-being, said officials, adding that encouraging physical activity in youth can help prevent obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases, while also promoting stronger mental health and academic performance.
April 16: West Plains School District (at the Ozarks Healthcare Zizzer Clinic)
April 22: Junction Hill School District (on Junction Hill campus)
April 24: Glenwood School District (on Glenwood campus)
April 28 through May 9: West Plains School District (at the Ozarks Healthcare Zizzer Clinic)
May 7: Howell Valley School District (on Howell Valley campus)
May 14: Richards School District (on Richards campus)
June 3: Dora School District (on the Dora campus from 9 a.m. to noon)
June 11: Gainesville School District (on the Gainesville campus)
June 17: Bakersfield School District (on the Bakersfield campus)
Dates to be announced: Koshkonong (Oregon-Howell) School District, Winona School District, and Alton School District. Fairview School’s physicals were offered on April 3.
Families of students attending West Plains Schools should call the Ozarks Healthcare Zizzer Clinic at 417-505-7123 to schedule appointments for physicals between April 28 and May 9. These can be completed during the school day, and students will be excused during their appointment time.
Students who miss their school’s scheduled date can call the Ozarks Healthcare Zizzer Clinic to schedule a makeup appointment. The clinic is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, with a closure from 11 a.m. to noon for lunch.
Additional free physicals will be offered this summer at Ozarks Healthcare’s rural clinics for surrounding communities. Dates and details will be announced soon.
School districts that would like to coordinate an on-site physical day can call Megan Thompson, director of clinics, at 417-256-9111 ext. 5775.
