Children and Health

Child health is more than checking for diseases or infections; it involves a complex assortment of care that encompasses environmental, emotional, mental, as well as physical factors.  Child health and development should be the priority, not only of the parents but also of the community as a whole.  Children are the future of our society and of us as a species.  Besides illness, children are susceptible to injuries, poisoning, and a host of other medical maladies that can afflict them at anytime.  It is estimated that 200,000 children under the age of 15 are treated every year in emergency rooms across the U.S.  The majority of these injuries occur on playgrounds and parks.  This number is staggering considering the whole other range of possible medical needs that occur during adolescence.

Children develop differently and at different rates.  Pediatricians recommend that your child has regular checkups at 2 and 4 weeks, as well as at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months, and there after every year from 2 through 6, and every two years after that until they are 18 years of age.  These recommendations do not even factor in special needs, accidents, illness, medical emergencies, or a whole myriad of other medical complications that might require a child to seek medical attention. 

A pediatrician is the professional best suited to offer informed medical suggestions and advice on all forms of childhood medical conditions or health problems.  For very young children and expectant mothers, pediatricians can offer and share crucial and important health tips, preventive information, and medical advice.  For example, breastfeeding is very important to a child’s health and development, especially in the first six months after birth.  This is only one of a very large number of possible tidbits of health information necessary to raise a healthy child.   

If possible, breastfeeding should continue until the child is 12 months old.  If that is not possible, an iron rich formula can be substituted for the first year of life.  After that, whole cow’s milk can be used.  Iron rich infant rice cereals are recommended as the best first food for infants and can be started between four and six months old.  All this information is readily available from a pediatrician and their staff.  This information and personalized care is vital to allow you and your child to experience the healthiest childhood and best prospects for a healthy future together.