Sports Physicals Help Students Start the School Year Healthy, Safe and Ready to Succeed
7/10/2026
Affordable exams now available in Laredo and Zapata
As families prepare for a new school year, healthcare providers are encouraging parents to add one important item to their back-to-school checklist: a sports physical exam.
Laredo CareClinic and Zapata Family Medical Clinic are now offering affordable sports physicals for school-age children, helping students meet participation requirements while ensuring they are healthy, safe and ready for a successful year both in and out of the classroom.
“Back-to-school season is one of the busiest times of the year for families, but a sports physical is much more than a requirement for school activities” says Alberto Galvan, APRN, MSN, FNP-C, certified family nurse practitioner at Laredo CareClinic. “It’s an opportunity to identify potential health concerns early and help students perform their best academically, socially, and physically.”
Sports physicals are commonly required for student athletes, cheerleaders, band members and participants in other extracurricular activities. However, Galvan notes that every child can benefit from an annual health evaluation.
“These exams allow us to assess a child’s overall health, review their medical history and identify issues that may otherwise go unnoticed,” Galvan says. “Something as simple as undiagnosed vision problems can affect a student’s confidence, classroom performance and ability to participate fully in school activities.”
Annual physical exams can also help identify concerns related to heart health, respiratory conditions, growth and development, and other medical issues that may require follow-up care.
In addition to supporting student health, keeping an up-to-date medical record can be valuable during emergencies.
“When a child requires urgent medical attention, having accurate health information available can help healthcare providers make informed decisions more quickly,” Galvan says. “That information can make a meaningful difference when every minute counts.”
Parents are encouraged to schedule appointments early to avoid the annual back-to-school rush.
Parents should bring their children with their school physical form and the health history section completed and signed. Forms are also available at the clinics.
Children who wear prescription glasses or contact lenses should bring them to the appointment. Students with a history of heart conditions, recent surgery or fractures within the past year may need a clearance letter from their physician.
Laredo CareClinic and Zapata Family Medical Clinic offer sports physicals for $25, and TB testing for $21.
The Laredo clinics are located at:
- 10201 McPherson, Suite 300 (across from United Day School)
- 4415 U.S. Highway 83, Unit 100
Both locations are open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Zapata clinic is located at 801 U.S. Highway 83 and is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Appointments are recommended, though walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
To schedule an appointment, call (956) 795-1160 (Laredo north), (956) 724-5525 (Laredo south) or (956) 765-8494 (Zapata).
Back