In most social settings, child upbringing is seen as a communal issue rather than an individual responsibility that lies squarely on the parents. Children’s health is imperative for the development of any nation both socially and economically. Pediatricians hail some of the mechanisms put in place by parents to promote the health of their children. Physical, mental and social well-being can be regarded as the three key perspectives that play a significant role in determining the health of the young.
Cases of reported chronic health problems are on the rise with the latest figures estimating the rate of mental health disorders among the young between the ages of 9 and 17 years to be 21%. It is noted that health conditions such as obesity and asthma among children have recorded a significant increase. It has been estimated that the rate of children suffering from obesity is 22% and those having asthma is 10%. However, health practitioners remain optimistic that the poor health statistics among children will be overcome if parents, organizations and the government observe the correct health procedures for children as set out in the latest health reforms.
Health reform movement was introduced in the 1980s in the United States. The change was also implemented to search for solutions to address the increased cases of HIV infections and AIDS. Experts assert that if all these measures are implemented entirely, the nation will shift its focus from secondary and tertiary care settings to the fundamental primary care. Credible sources show that the primary care provision will only receive a significant boost if the government gives more incentives to the healthcare sector.
Pediatricians claim that the primary reason for health promotion among the young is to inculcate the culture of “active” health behaviors in future generations. However, they express their displeasure with the changes that come with it noting that children cannot adapt well to the changes or fail to change completely. For instance, one cannot prevent a young child who has the craving/passion for chocolate from eating this product.
Another potential impediment to children’s health is bullying that is so imminent in schools. Bullying in itself does not only involve physical assault; in fact, it also has something to do with verbal abuse. However, bullying differs from mischievous acts such as name-calling and social rejection in that it is more intentional and repetitive. Research has shown that in a bullying encounter where both the perpetrator and the victim are girls, the latter is likely to suffer more verbal taunting. In the event where both are boys, the victim suffers more from physical aggression.
Poverty is also regarded as one of the major hazards when it comes to child’s health. In a meta-research that was carried out in the UK in the period 2001-2002, it was established that 30% of children lived in poverty. This research indicated that, at least, one of the children from low-income and single-parent families is likely to suffer from disabilities or a long term illness.
The National Childcare program aims at reducing child poverty by ensuring that parents (mostly mothers) are employed. Childcare utilizes an indirect approach towards solving joblessness among single parents. The Labor Department indicates that the most efficient way to end such kind of menace is to promote paid work. Meanwhile, health facilities are adopting modern technology in the pediatric sector. Technology has incredibly revolutionized the field of medicine and a child can be treated from home.