ROCHELLE — Rochelle Community Hospital’s XCEL Orthopedics will provide sports physicals this month on June 11, 18 and 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sports physicals will be performed this season by Harrison Swalla, MPAS, PA-C; and Carter Gallick, PA-C, ATC of XCEL Orthopedics.
Parent/guardian attendance is required for consent and medical history. The cost is $35 cash or check only (no insurance accepted). High school, middle school and Rochelle Junior Tackle student athletes are welcome. Use entrance G in the RCH Health & Wellness Center. Call 815-562-2181 extension 0 to schedule an appointment. Those seeking college sports physicals need to schedule an appointment with their primary care provider. All proceeds will be donated back to the schools/organizations represented.
RCH has offered sports physicals to the community for a number of years through its different departments. This will be the first time XCEL Orthopedics will be providing the yearly sports physicals.
“As an organization, we are thrilled to be able to participate in such a great cause for the community and our youth organizations,” Gallick said. “There is always a need for sports physicals. It is extremely important that these health screenings are performed prior to young athletes participating in their chosen sport. Providing sports physicals and donating the money back allows the youth in our community to be active, healthy and ready for gameday.”
A sports physical is a full assessment of the patient’s general health taken by completing a thorough history and physical exam. If any abnormalities or barriers to sports participation should arise, RCH helps facilitate a referral to the patient’s primary care provider or specialist.
“It’s very important for kids to have some sort of health screening prior to sports participation,” Swalla said. “Even something simple, such as needing to get some corrective lenses, can help prevent a more serious injury. An initial health screening can also serve as a baseline should something arise during the season. A yearly physical gets young people into the habit of checking in on their health, which can lead to better health habits as they age.”
Swalla said RCH offers the sports physicals locally so parents and athletes don’t have to travel out of town to get them done amid busy schedules and to ensure they have their screening done before their respective sports begin.
Both Gallick and Swalla participated in sports in their youth.
“I certainly think sports were an important part of my development as a person and when used correctly, can help develop important character traits,” Swalla said. “Getting a chance to help out with the next generation’s experience in athletics is one small way I can help in their journey. I also think it’s just a fun way to get to know more members of the community.”
Gallick said sports helped him to establish lifelong friendships, earn valuable skills, and develop a work ethic that has followed him throughout his educational and professional career.
“Being an athlete also helped influence my decision to become an athletic trainer and eventually continue into orthopedics as a physician’s assistant,” Gallick said. “It’s exciting to be able to contribute to my community’s youth athletics and allow kids today to have those same opportunities I had. It is important to me and the staff of XCEL Orthopedics to give back to the community. This community has trusted us with their orthopedic needs, and it has been great to be a part of. Being able to make an impact by helping kids stay active and healthy is a great feeling.”
