Keeping children healthy can be a big job! Most parents are aware of the basics: offering healthful foods, making sure your child gets enough sleep and exercise, looking out for their safety and visiting the pediatrician to track your child's health and development. There are many important and interesting topics facing children today. We will focus on two - childhood obesity and proper immunizations.
Immunizations Fully immunizing your child according to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics can help protect your child from many common infections. These infections can lead to serious and even life threatening complications. Although the vaccines may have mild side effects and more rarely, serious complications, in general, it is safer to immunize your children than allow them to get any of the infections that they prevent.
Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) are information sheets produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that explain to vaccine recipients, their parents, or their legal representatives both the benefits and risks of a vaccine. Federal law requires that VISs be handed out whenever (before each dose) certain vaccinations are given.
All providers of vaccines, both public and private sector, must give out Vaccine Information Sheets. It is a requirement of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 that Vaccine Information Sheets be used. Their purpose is to inform parents and people getting vaccinated themselves about the benefits and risks of vaccines. For more information on vaccinations, ask your doctor for individual vaccine information sheets, or download them from our links below. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention produces a schedule which
lists the ages (birth through 6 years old and 7 through 18 years old) for when each vaccine should be given. If your child or teen has missed any shots, check with your doctor about getting back on track. |
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Obesity in Children and Teens The percentage of overweight children and adolescents is growing at an alarming rate - currently 1 out of 3 children are considered overweight or obese. Obesity, which is determined by the percentage of body fat, can have serious negative effects on a child's physical health, emotional state and socially. Since children grow at different rates, it is sometimes difficult to determine if your child is within a healthy range. Ask your child's doctor if you are unsure.
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