On Friday, Dr. Jay Umarvadia organized the annual sports physicals for the Bogalusa Lumberjacks.

Student athletes associated with all sports showed up in the ROTC gym around noon to bend, stretch and balance for Umarvadia and his associates in the medical community. The doctor is with the LSU RURAL Family Medicine program and works at Our Lady of Angels Hospital, and he said the physical day is good for students to identify potential health risks. It’s also good for the medical staff and residents to become better acquainted with local athletes.

“It’s a win-win,” he said. “It gives our residents a chance to learn and it gives back to the community and the students we cover.”

The tests include balancing, stretching and range of motion. The tests show basic physical ability, so in case of serious on-field injury, the doctors will have some idea of the athlete’s native ability.

Umarvadia said his program provides medical personnel for Ben’s Ford and Bogalusa football and the annual physicals, which are free for both schools, provide an early introduction for new team members and the medical personnel.

He said he expected to see between 100 and 150 athletes at Bogalusa.