By Martha Jacob –

It is a mandate by all schools that any student wishing to play in a school sport must first obtain a sports physical.
For many families, especially families with more than one child participating in a sport, the costs for a sports physical can be difficult. Sports physicals general begin at about $35 and up.
Ohio Valley Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (OVM) understands the importance of sports physicals and on July 20 between 4:30 and 6 p.m. will offer free sports physicals to athletes.
Heather Boldman, Rehab Office Manager at OVM said that her facility is looking forward to serving the community with this offer.
“We are very fortunate to have Dr. Charles Miller who donates his time and expertise to this event,” Boldman said. “We feel that these physicals are very important for these young athletes.
“Athletes who are under age 18 must bring a signed consent form if they are being seen without a parent or guardian.”
Boldman said the athletes are asked to fill out a form from the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) or the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA). The forms are available on line from the OHSAA.
“After the athletes the forms from the OHSAA they talk with a therapist who will measure their height, weight and take their blood pressure,” Boldman said. “They will then be evaluated for muscle tone, tendons, ligaments and be asked to do things like jump or run in place and a few other things. They will also be asked about any prior injury they may have had.”
She continued, “After all that is completed, the athlete will meet with and talk to Doctor Miller. He will listen to their heart then discuss any orthopedic concerns with the athlete as well as his/her parents.”
Boldman said she hopes to see a lot of students during the free physical time slot and invites any student who plans on playing a sport to stop by.
OVM is located between Georgetown and Ripley at 5280 US Highway 62 and 68.
To schedule an appointment or for more information please call (937) 392-4318, ext. 234.