Is your child receiving enough preventative care?
A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found many children do not receivepreventative care in areas such as developmental screenings, dental, and chlamydia screening. Most of these services can take place during a yearly check-up.
"An apple a day, keeps the doctor away," is as true today as when it was first uttered many years ago. Prevention is key to a long, healthy life especially for our infants, children, and young adults. The problem is, according to a recent federal study published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report many are not receiving these preventative services. This problem is even more severe among low-income households. Listed below are some of the staggering results of lack of services and how it can hurt our loved ones:
Hearing: In 2009-2010 only 50.3 percent of infants who failed hearing screening received testing to confirm the hearing loss. A simple hearing test is performed at birth. If the infant fails, secondary testing is needed to confirm this and confirmed early treatment can be initiated that greatly improves outcomes.
Developmental Screens: In 2007 21.1 percent of children aged 10-47 months parents were asked by heath-care providers to complete a formal screen for developmental delays during the preceding 12 months. This number is quite startling. These are simple tests that if performed can check for syndromes like autism. If found early and treatment begins these children show much more improvement then those who are diagnosed later in life.
Lead: In 2010 33.4 percent of children aged 1-2 years who were screened and reported to the CDC for lead poisoning. Lead poisoning is more common then we think. Many of the older houses in Philadelphia still contain lead paint. It can have serious side effects such as anemia and increase developmental delays. Screening is key.
Dental: 14.2 percent of persons aged ≤21 years received dental preventive services. This included topical fluoride, sealant, or both during 2009. These services are quick and easy. Without these services, children are more prone to tooth decay and many other issues.
Vaccines: In 2011 only 35 percent of females and 1.3 percent of males aged 13-17 years had received 3 appropriate doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This vaccine is safe and can decrease the incidence of genital warts and is key in preventing cervical cancer in women.
Chlamydia Screening: 40 percent of sexually active females aged 15-21 years reported being tested during the preceding year (2006-2010). Many patients, especially women, are asymptomatic with this disease. If untreated, it can progress to more serious illness and can cause issues later in life. A simple screen can be performed, it is not invasive, and if found, treatment is just a few pills.
It is frightening how much care our children may not be receiving. These services all can be performed quickly and easily just by having a yearly well child check with a healthcare professional. If you do not have access, there are some services through Philadelphia's Public Health Department where you can receive both medical and dental care. So let's make it a habit, to once a year, go see your doctor. We can embrace our health. It's our future and we can make it a happy and healthy one.
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