Sports Physicals a Success

On Monday, May 17, Lawrence Health Services provided free sports physicals to approximately 275 student athletes from Hoxie and Walnut Ridge schools.

“This is a great service that Lawrence Memorial provides to the community and to the schools,” said Coach Larry Treadway of Walnut Ridge. “These kids would be spaced out all over the summer trying to get their physicals if it weren’t for this free program.”

The exams included height, weight, vision, blood pressure and scoliosis screenings. Along with poor or uncorrected vision, a few potentially dangerous health concerns were discovered, including elevated blood pressures and one heart murmur.

“Many of the kids might not even get to participate in school sports if it weren’t for the free physicals,” said Hoxie Coach Tom Sears. “We would like thank Lawrence Memorial for providing this service and hope it continues to do so in the future.”

In turn, staff members of Family Medical Center, Lawrence Memorial Hospital and the Specialty Clinic were appreciative and complementary of the students.

“All of the students were very polite and well-mannered,” said Shirley Murphy, LHS Director of Clinics. “We would like to thank both schools for displaying such wonderful attitudes and respect towards our facility and staff.”  

Physicals for student athletes at Black Rock, Hillcrest and Sloan-Hendrix schools are currently being scheduled for late summer.