May 5, 2024 – CHRISTUS Health hosted free student athlete screenings for ten different school districts in Sulphur Springs and surrounding areas on Friday, May 3. More than 1,200 students from (entering) 7th to 11th grade were seen. Fifty staff members volunteered, including physicians, nurses, athletic trainers, and support staff, to make this possible. First Baptist Church generously lent their ROC building for the event. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) and Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) require all student-athletes to have a medical history form signed before athletic participation. Athletes undergo an evaluation by a certified health care professional which includes a detailed medical history, orthopedic screening, blood pressure and heart rate screening, and medical physical.
“These pre-participation physicals are designed to maintain the health and safety of athletes,” said Tracy Lott, athletic trainer. “Our goal is to make sure these student-athletes are healthy and that we detect any conditions that may predispose them to injury or identify those at risk for life-threatening conditions.”
