STUDENTS!

For Immediate Release: Free 2014-2015 School Year Athletic Pre-Participation Screening Exams

Offered for New Hanover County Middle and High School Athletes and Cheerleaders

Each year, all North Carolina students who plan to participate in athletics or cheerleading must

undergo a state-mandated screening examination.  Physicians in the New Hanover-Pender County

Medical Society, in concert with New Hanover County Health Department and the school systems,

have, for many years, offered free screenings for New Hanover County athletes and cheerleaders at designated times. Exams for the Boys will be on Thursday, May 22, 2014.  Girls’ exams will be Thursday, June 5, 2014. Exams are at the Health Department, 2029 South 17th Street. These are the free screening dates/times for 2014-2013 school sports:

Boys:  6:00 PM    May 22   Boys: 6:45 PM                           

Ashley HS                                 Myrtle Grove MS                                                                 

D. C. Virgo MS                         New Hanover HS                                                       

Hoggard HS                             Noble MS                                                                

Holly Shelter MS                     Private Schools                                                     

Laney HS                                 Roland Grise MS                                 

Murray MS                              Trask MS                                                                               

Williston MS                                                    

Girls: 6:00 PM   June 05   Girls: 6:45 PM

Ashley HS                                 Myrtle Grove MS

D. C. Virgo MS                          New Hanover HS

Hoggard HS                              Noble MS

Holly Shelter MS                      Private Schools

Laney HS                                  Roland Grise MS

Murray MS                               Trask MS

Williston MS

*Note: Boys may not be screened on girls’ night or girls on boys’ night.*

The waiting area for students is the Health Department’s parking lot, near the Auditorium entrance.  The students from each school are called in, as a group, in the order listed. There is no need to arrive more than 15 minutes early.  Before beginning an examination, physicians are required to see the two-page medical history, emergency information, and parental permission forms which are available in the schools and at the Board of Education. These forms must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian before the exam is begun. Forms may also be downloaded at www.nhcs.k12.nc.us (Go to Parents > Athletics > Athletic Pre-Participation Form).  Rising ninth graders should list the high school that they will attend in the fall.

If there are questions, contact the student’s school, the Medical Society’s Executive Director, Bonnie Brown (910-790-5800; E-mail: MedicalSociety@NHPCMS.org), or the NHC Schools Lead Athletic Trainer, Matthew Triche (910- 251-6100 x 270; E-mail:matthew.triche@nhcs.net).  Please note that it is inappropriate to call the Health Department for information.

The Medical Society and Health Department physicians, staffs and administrations are pleased to be able to donate their time, expertise, and facilities to serve the community’s children – and their parents.  However, the volunteers unanimously caution, “Parents, please remember that athletic screening exams are just that.  Screenings.  Not complete physical check-ups.  It is important for junior high and high school students to have their own primary care physician and to develop a relationship of mutual respect and trust with him or her. Moreover, if there are known health concerns, it is absolutely imperative that the young person’s personal physician be on board.”

Picture courtesy of: http://secretsof7scribes.wordpress.com/2011/12/11/lets-get-physical/