Annual free physicals given to parish athletes this week

BY: TRACEY JAGNEAUX
Sports Editor

On Thursday evening athletes from Pine Prairie, Sacred Heart and Ville Platte High gathered at Health Works Rehab to obtain their annual physicals before the upcoming season.
Basile and Mamou received their physicals Wednesday at Savoy Medical Center.
The event, in its thirteenth year, pulls health care professionals from throughout the parish to provide the athletes a thorough physical examination, as required by the LHSAA.
According to physical therapist Andy Poche, the concept of putting all the athletes together in one place came out of necessity.
“Before this event, physicals were done at different doctor’s offices and there was just not enough space,” said Poche. “So we here at Health Works decided to provide our building for so that we could service a greater number of athletes. Now we can screen about 200 to 250 athletes in one evening.”
These health care professionals provide their services for free as a community service. The clinic brings together general practitioners, orthopedic doctors, nurses, physical therapists, ENTs, physician assistants and nurse practitioners under one roof to screen the athletes.
“We provide a screening service to the athletes,” stated physical therapist David Vidrine. “The health care professionals not only sign off on physicals, but they also are able to spot if an athlete has any problems associated with their health or performance. If we red flag an athlete, the doctor would look at them a little tighter and give them the opportunity to see their family physician for any abnormalities.”