OKEECHOBEE — The Florida Department of Health in Okeechobee County (DOH-Okeechobee) now offers sports physicals with electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) screenings for incoming ninth grade students and returning high-school student athletes.

The sports physical costs $110 with a $30 charge for the EKG. Contact DOH-Okeechobee for details on payment methods and insurance options. Families should bring photo ID, insurance card, and any medical records relevant to cardiac health or EKG exemptions to the appointment.

Sport physicals will be offered at the DOH-Okeechobee Clinic , 1728 NW Ninth Ave. 

 To schedule an appointment, call 863-462-5800.

“I’m truly proud of the partnerships that made this service possible. Working together with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, and Okeechobee County Public Schools allows us to provide families access to pediatric heart specialists,” shares Clint Sperber, DOH-Okeechobee health officer. “Heart conditions in young athletes are often undetected, so heart health must be part of the conversation for our student‑athletes.”

This new service helps prepare student athletes for back-to-school and identify potential heart conditions early, promoting safer participation in youth as well as compliance with new student athletic requirements in Florida.