Children are our future, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they have a bright one. This is why it is so important for us to invest in our children, both emotionally and financially, and promote their well-being. Therefore, pediatric public health concerns are important to address in order to ensure the health of children. In the United States, the most common ones are in desperate need of addressing. Keep reading to learn more about these pressing issues, but first, if you are interested in pediatric care, be sure to do your research on “online bachelor degree public health” to better our future. But for now, this article will break down the most common pediatric health concerns.
Developmental Milestones and Disorders
Developmental milestones are thresh holds that most children can achieve by a certain age. For example, sitting up, crawling, and walking are all developmental milestones. When a child does not meet these milestones, it may be a sign that they have a developmental disorder. Developmental disorders can affect any part of the development process, including physical, intellectual, or emotional development. Developmental disorders are very common, affecting about 1 in 5 children. There are many different types of developmental disorders, and they can range in severity from mild to severe. Some common developmental disorders include:
- Autism spectrum disorder: Autism spectrum disorder is a condition that affects social interaction, communication abilities, and behavior. It is the most commonly diagnosed developmental disorder.
- Intellectual disability: Intellectual disability is a condition that affects intelligence and the ability to learn new things. It is the second most common developmental disorder after autism spectrum disorder.
- Cerebral palsy: Cerebral palsy is a condition caused by damage to the brain during early development. It affects movement and coordination skills.
- Speech and language delay: Speech and language delay occurs when a child has trouble speaking or understanding language at an age where they should be able to do so normally.
If you suspect your child is suffering from a developmental disorder, it’s important to seek help and find a pediatric rehabilitation provider in your area.
Obesity
Obesity is a major public health concern in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it affects more than one-third of adults and 17 percent of children and adolescents. It is associated with a number of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
There are many ways to help prevent or reduce obesity in children. Parents can set a good example by eating healthy foods themselves and being physically active. Schools can provide healthy meals and snacks as well as opportunities for physical activity during the school day. Communities can create parks and trails where people can walk or bike recreationally. And businesses can offer healthier menu options at restaurants and vending machines.
Asthma and Respiratory Illnesses
Asthma and other respiratory diseases are two other common pediatric public health concerns. These illnesses can be caused by a variety of factors, including viruses, bacteria, environmental pollutants, and allergies. Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. It is the leading cause of hospitalizations among children in the United States. Treatment for asthma includes medications such as inhalers and steroids, as well as lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and avoiding triggers like smoke and pollen.
Respiratory infections are also common among children and can cause everything from mild colds to more serious diseases like pneumonia. Treatment for respiratory infections usually involves antibiotics and rest. Parents can help protect their children against respiratory illnesses by encouraging them to wash their hands regularly, covering their nose and mouth when they sneeze or cough, and avoiding exposure to pollutants and allergens. Overall, pediatric public health concerns are important because they can impact a child’s mental health and physical health. It is important to be aware of the above issues and take steps to prevent them whenever possible.
