I wanted to tell about the Ironton City Health Department’s sports/employee physicals clinic for the public so they will know what to expect. I thought I would begin by explaining: What is a physical?

I went to Webster’s Dictionary and under the word “physical” the definition reads, “having material existence perceptible through senses and subject to laws of nature, measurable by weight, motion and resistance of or relating to materials things.”

We have physicals one evening a month, and in June it will be Wednesday the 22nd from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.

In our clinic for the physicals, we measure height, weight, and the patient’s vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate).

Dr. Jim Meadows will check vision thru a screening. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, it is important that you have them available or wear them for the screening.

For the ones who need a TB test, we do that too.

Dr. Meadows will examine each person by listening to their heart and breath sounds, looking in the ears and throat, and palpating the neck and abdomen to ensure there is no lumps or hernias.

Dr. Meadows is an outstanding physician, and the citizens of Ironton are very fortunate to have him as the medical director of the health department.

Dr. Meadows will review the patient’s exam and decide if the person is cleared for sports or employment.

Everyone gets their physical papers, we do make a copy in case someone misplaces theirs or any questions arise.

We are not capable of doing EKGs here at the health department, but these are available through Dr. Meadows’ practice.

The health department is located at 2120 S. 8th St. in Ironton. The phone number is (740) 532-2172. We encourage you to schedule but will also take walk-ins. The cost is $15 dollars.

Come see us and let us measure your material existence.

Laura Brown, RN, is the health commissioner for the Ironton City Health Department.