ENCINO—An annual physical examination is mandatory in the State of California for a student to participate in high school athletics. Student athletes usually visit their family physicians in order to comply with this rule and complete the necessary paperwork. In an effort to help students meet this requirement, the Armens Athletic Program at Ferrahian Armenian High School held their second annual sports physical fundraiser event on Saturday May 5.
A group of volunteer physicians and nurses came together to conduct the physical exams. The Armens’ Athletic Director Varant Vartabedian notified the school’s student-athletes and scheduled their appointments. The student-athletes gathered at the school’s Avedissian Hall at their pre-determined appointment times. The nurses screened the students by checking vitals, height, weight, and vision after which they met with a doctor for a physical exam.
Each student was asked to contribute $30 for the examination with 100% of the proceeds going to the Armens Athletic Program. Students with a normal examination were allowed to check out, whereas those with concerning findings were asked to follow up with their primary care physicians after a thorough discussion with the students’ parents.
The event was a great success. 34 student-athletes participated and $1020 was raised. The Ferrahian administration expressed its gratitude to the following medical professionals who volunteered their time and services: nurses Taline Azadian, Natalie Bebejian, Sevan Kechichian and Maral Khodanian, and doctors Peter Ashjian, Maggie Kademian, Razmig Krumian, and Maral Mardiros-Kevorkian.
Bravo to the AMA (Armenian Medical Association) for their continued support of the community here in California and in Armenia.
Great to see newer faces waiting for the opportunity to serve.