Every year in the United States, about 30 million children and teens participate in some form of organized sports.

According to the National SAFE KIDS campaign and the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 3.5 million children ages 14 and younger get hurt annually playing sports or participating in recreational activities. The most common injuries are sprains and strains.

We encourage parents to take advantage of any opportunity to make sure their sports-playing children are in prime condition leading up to another year of games.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea will provide free sports-qualifying physicals next week for athletes in grades six through 12.

At Health Reach from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, the screenings will be provided by Mayo Clinic Health System physicians and staff and will meet the requirements for participation in sports by the Minnesota State High School Leagues — though they are not intended to replace an annual physical exam.

Sports physicals forms can be picked up in local high school athletic offices at Mayo Clinic Health System’s Patient Education Center or at the Health Reach campus. For additional information, call 507-668-2900.