Final answer:
The first stage of preparticipation health screening is obtaining a participant's medical history and gathering information about their current health status.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first stage of preparticipation health screening before initiating PA or an exercise program is obtaining a participant's medical history and gathering information about their current health status. This includes asking questions about previous injuries, chronic health conditions, and any medication they may be taking. It also involves assessing their current physical activity level, as well as any symptoms they may be experiencing.