West Hollywood, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/15/2014 -- Thousands of Los Angeles student athletes are gearing up for a new sports season and that includes getting school sports physicals. Across the US more than 38 million American student athletes are preparing right now for the 2014-15 season.

Annual School Sports Physicals

Unlike a general annual physical examination, doctors will review immunizations and screen for any previously undetected medical or musculoskeletal issues when conducting a school sports physical.

John Foster, MD, aka Dr. John of Sunset Walk-In Healthcare, says now is the time to get school sports physicals to make sure athletes are not sidelined for a condition that may limit participation.

Dr. John’s Five Healthy Tips for Student Athletes

1. Get plenty of rest

- Fatigue among other things may lead to injury.

2. Eat nutritious food

- Eat a good healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner to avoid fatigue during play.

3. Stay hydrated

- To avoid dehydration drink plenty of water throughout the day.

4. Ensure proper fitting of protective gear

- Protective gear should be checked regularly throughout the season.

5. Have fun and play smart

- Encourage the athlete to notify coach and trainers if they do get injured in a game.

Background:

The following statistics were taken from the recent Safe Kids [www.safekids.org] survey of 1,000 young athletes seventh through 10th grades, 1,000 coaches and 1,000 parents:

- 42% of players report that they have hidden or downplayed an injury during a game so they could keep playing; 62% say they know someone else who has done so.

- 54% say they have played injured and 70% of those kids say they told a coach or parent that they were hurt. Top reasons given for playing injured: it wasn't that bad (18%); couldn't let the team down (13%); didn't want to be benched (12%).

- 33% say they have been injured as a result of dirty play from an opponent; 28% agree that it is normal to commit hard fouls and play rough to "send a message" during a game.

- 53% of coaches say they have felt pressure from a parent or player to put an athlete back in a game if the child has been injured.

Dr. Foster says to pay attention to the possibility of a sports related injury throughout the season and seek medical care when necessary.

About Sunset Walk-In:

Sunset Walk-In is offering a $60.00 Back to School Physical special cash price for student's mandatory physical exams. Sunset Walk-In also accepts most PPO insurance plans including Covered California PPOs.

For additional information call 310-273-1155

Visit their website at http://www.sunsetwalk-inhealthcare.com

Company Information: Sunset Walk-In Healthcare and Occupational Medicine Clinic, PC is owned by John Foster, MD and is located in the Sunset Medical Tower Building at 9201 Sunset Blvd., Mezzanine Level [M-155], West Hollywood, CA 90069.

The clinic is open M-TH 8a-6p, F 8a-5p and Saturday 10a-2p.

Sunset Walk-In offers occupational medicine, urgent care and travel medicine and accepts most insurances, Covered California PPOs and Medicare.