Children’s healthcare, pediatrics, and access to pediatrics are essential to the health and development of every child. Pediatrics focuses on caring for children up to the age of 18. Children are not smaller versions of adults; they have unique healthcare needs best served by pediatrics. Here is why children must have access to health care.
Early Interventions and Treatments
There is no doubt that the earlier a problem is detected, the sooner treatment can start. Starting treatment early can help to contain the illness and be more effective. Developmental delays can be noted and addressed with early interventions and treatment. Regular health checkups for a child are important to gauge development and promote early interventions when needed.
According to the American Pediatrics Association, about 97.6% of children under 18 have access to a source of health care. However, only about 76% of children regularly see a provider for well-child checkups.
Prevention Of Childhood Illnesses
Children must have access to a health care provider that can immunize them against childhood diseases. Preventive measures can reduce the risk of serious illness and reduce overall fatalities associated with childhood disease. During preventive appointments, providers often provide valuable nutrition education and other preventive steps parents can take.
Children are more prone to certain illnesses than adults are. They are also more likely to spread illness. Every child must have access to health care that focuses on prevention.
Health Tracking
Children’s bodies change quickly. Having a health history for a child can help providers note changes inconsistent with a child’s health history. This historical information can make an accurate diagnosis when a health problem is evident. Baseline health information is necessary to treat a child that is ill.
Historical health information can also alert a provider when something is amiss with blood work or another diagnostic test. Likewise, historical data can be used to determine what is the norm for the child. Health tracking and monitoring are important to a child’s health and development.
Every child should have access to focused pediatrics to ensure they can enjoy good health throughout their childhood. A lifetime of good health starts in the earliest stages. Set your child up for a healthy life by ensuring access to good health care. Give us a call today for more information!
