Each new school year is a chance for our keiki to grow, discover and take part in the activities that make school life rich. One of the best ways families can support that journey is by making sure children are healthy, prepared and cleared to participate safely.

Whether your child is playing under the bright lights or chasing friends at recess, sports physicals and other routine check-ups help set a healthful foundation. As the athletic trainer supervisor at Kamehameha Schools Maui, Alika Asing brings both professional skill and personal empathy to the work. His own journey through recovery has shaped how he cares for students today, starting with simple, proactive steps like the physical.

“I think kids should get a physical every year,” Asing said. “Because changes in our life — mental health challenges, growth spurts, asthma and diabetes — all these can pop up, and some of these things you don’t see on the outside; that’s why it’s so important.”
Across Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha, campus health teams review these forms closely to create individual plans and prepare for situations where quick action or extra care might be needed.

And this isn’t just for student-athletes. Physicals support readiness for all aspects of school from PE and recess to after-school programs and huakaʻi. If a student is managing asthma or allergies, for example, staff can make sure they have the right medication ready and accessible.
While it may seem like just another form to fill out, the sports physical can help identify important needs early, including:

• Asthma and allergies
• Heart conditions
• Medication needs
• Past injuries or surgeries
• Mental health or sleep concerns
• Social-emotional stress that may show up physically

And if you’re unsure what happens after you turn in the form, don’t be afraid to ask.

“I invite [parents] to come into the athletic training room to see what we do,” said Asing. “We’re not just there to put on Band-Aids and send them back out to practice… We are trained to take care of them and their health-related issues because we want a healthy life for them.”

Preparing for the next appointment

Even if your child isn’t in sports, these checkups still matter. Annual appointments help ‘ohana build a connection with their provider and send kids the message that their health matters. Here are a few ways to make those doctor visits easier:

• Get ahead of the rush. Schedule appointments well before tryouts, huakaʻi, or school deadlines.
• Come prepared. Bring past medical records, medications, and any school health forms.
• Stay connected. If you’re not sure what’s needed, reach out to your campus’s school health office or athletic department.

For students, a yearly physical helps them feel ready and supported. And for athletic health teams at Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha, it’s one more way to help them heal, grow, and thrive in the classroom, on the field or wherever life takes them next.

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