Childhood should be a time of joy and happiness for all children, but that’s not the case for many. Health is an essential part of life, so parents must focus on their children and their health. One way to do this is to actively participate in our child’s development and ensure they get the best care possible.
Children and their Health
Children are the future, and they must have good health. This means that their brains are developing correctly, and they can avoid future diseases. Here are some tips for keeping our child healthy:
Get Them Vaccinated
Vaccines help prevent infections, and our children will be grateful for what we did when they get sick with something else because they are not vaccinated. Many vaccines are available, so talk to our pediatrician about what is best for our child.
Eat a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Ensure to include protein as well since it is crucial for children’s growth and development. Avoid sugary drinks, junk food, and fatty foods.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise helps to improve heart health, joint health, cognitive function, mood balance, sleep quality, and more! Find an activity our child enjoys and make it a routine. If we don’t have time to exercise together as a family, at least find an opportunity to get our child active outside on a sunny day!
Screening Tests are Necessary Too
Our doctor may recommend screenings such as blood pressure checks or cholesterol levels during childhood if there are signs that our child may be at risk for developing a disease later in life.
Child Development
Infants and children are particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins, which can have profound health implications. When infants and children are born, their bodies are still developing and more likely to be affected by toxins than adults. Exposure to environmental toxins during development can lead to lifelong health problems. Children’s brains are still growing and developing until they reach the age of 25 years old. This means that they are more susceptible to the effects of toxins on their neurological system.
Some of the most common environmental toxins that harm children’s neurological development include lead, mercury, and arsenic. All three of these substances can cause damage to the brain and nervous system in infants and young children. Some symptoms of exposure to toxic chemicals during development include behavioral changes, learning disabilities, reduced IQ scores, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and developmental delays. If left untreated, these conditions can hurt a child’s future ability to achieve success in school and life.
Parents should be aware of the dangers posed by environmental toxins when pregnant or breastfeeding and when their child is young. They should reduce their child’s exposure to these harmful substances as much as possible.
Childhood Illnesses
It is estimated that one in five children in the United States will experience a chronic illness by the time they reach adulthood. Childhood illnesses can significantly impact a child’s health and well-being during childhood and adulthood.
Here are some of the most common childhood illnesses:
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects approximately 15 percent of American children. It is caused by inflammation of the airways. Symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Asthma can be severely debilitating and requires regular treatment to maintain good health.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects about 1 percent of Americans. People with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten – a protein found in many grains, including wheat, rye, barley, and oats – triggering an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage can cause numerous gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, candida overgrowth (a yeast infection), and malnutrition. Untreated celiac disease can lead to intestinal cancer later in life.
Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that affects about 1 million Americans. It is caused by inflammation of the digestive system walls – usually the ileum (the last part of the small intestine) or colon (the large intestine). Crohn’s Disease can cause severe diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, weight loss, and fatigue.
What to Do If Our Child is Unwell
If we are concerned about our child’s health, the first step is to talk to them. If they are unwell, there are a few things we can do to help improve their condition.
- Make sure they’re getting enough fluids and nutrients. A sick child may not feel like eating or drinking, so they must get the necessary fluids and nutrients. Try to give them oral or intravenous fluids if they don’t eat or drink on their own.
- Make sure they’re getting enough rest. A sick child may not be able to sleep well, which can make their condition worse. Try to keep them as rested as possible so their body can fight the illness effectively.
- Watch for signs of infection. Suppose our child has a fever, pain in the neck or head, redness around the eyes, shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up mucus. In that case, they may have an infection and should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Getting the Lowdown on Pediatric Healthcare
Pediatric health is a complete health condition of a child from birth to 18 years old. A child’s pediatric health includes physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being. Pediatricians are healthcare professionals who specialize in the care of children. They often work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care for children.
Many factors can affect a child’s pediatric health. These include environmental exposures, genetic influences, and lifestyle choices. Pediatricians play an important role in helping to identify and address these factors. They also work to ensure that children have access to quality healthcare services.
Pediatric health is an integral part of overall healthcare for children. Pediatricians are skilled in providing comprehensive care for kids and help ensure they access quality services and resources.