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Tips for Being Proactive Parents

October 2, 2024 Pegalis Law Group
Shot of a single father bringing his little boy for a checkup

October is an excellent time to focus on the health and wellness of children in recognition of National Children’s Health Month. This month-long observance raises awareness about the importance of children’s health and encourages parents and other caregivers to prioritize and improve their children’s health habits. As a parent, ensuring your child’s well-being is one of your biggest – and often toughest – responsibilities. Being proactive about your child’s healthcare means taking steps to prevent illness, promote healthy habits, and stay informed about their physical and emotional needs. Below, Pegalis Law Group, LLC provides practical tips for being proactive parents this year and beyond.

Schedule Annual Check-Ups & Vaccinations for Your Child

Preventative care is your first line of defense in maintaining your child’s health. Regular check-ups with a pediatrician can help detect potential health issues before they can develop into more severe problems. Just as adults need to visit their doctors and dentists regularly, so do children. Here are a few key child’s healthcare reminders:

  • Well-Child Visits – Well-child visits are crucial in ensuring your child’s health is on track. Schedule routine visits with your pediatrician to monitor your child’s growth and development. Several visits are encouraged during infancy and toddlerhood, with annual check-ups beginning around age three and lasting through the teens.
  • Vaccinations – Vaccinations protect children from severe and sometimes life-threatening infections and illnesses. They ensure the health and safety of your child and community by reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Keep track of your child’s vaccination schedule to protect them from influenza, chickenpox, polio, diphtheria, hepatitis B, and more.
  • Screenings – Ensure your child undergoes necessary screenings for vision, hearing, and developmental milestones. Regular eye exams detect issues such as nearsightedness or farsightedness that could affect your child’s academic and social development while hearing screenings detect hearing issues that could affect your child’s speech and language skills.
  • Dental Visits – Starting around age one, regular dental visits help monitor oral health, prevent cavities, and establish good dental hygiene habits. Talk to your child’s dentist about sealants and fluoride treatments to help protect against severe tooth decay and gum disease. Establishing good habits early paves the way for a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles.

Keep an Open Dialogue With Your Child’s Doctor

Keeping an open dialogue with your child is essential to make them feel supported and understood. Being attentive to changes in their behavior can alert you when something is wrong, and you need to seek professional help. Likewise, you should maintain open communication with your child’s healthcare providers to stay informed about their health needs. You can also join parenting groups or online communities to share your experiences and gain practical insights from other parents.

Ensure Your Child’s Medical Records Stay Up-to-Date

Accurate, up-to-date medical records ensure healthcare providers have the information necessary to deliver the best care possible. This includes knowledge of past illnesses, immunizations, allergies, and any chronic conditions, all vital for making informed decisions during diagnosis and treatment. Should your child need to switch providers or be referred to a specialist, having current medical records ensures a smoother transition. It can also be lifesaving in an emergency, helping avoid potential risks.

Ask for a Second Opinion With Diagnoses/Treatments

Due to the complexity of diagnosing children who can’t articulate their symptoms clearly, misdiagnosis in children occurs more often than it should. One of the ways you can prevent a misdiagnosis is to ask for a second opinion. If you have treatment plan concerns, a diagnosis is unclear or uncertain, or something feels off about your child’s health, don’t be afraid to consult another expert.

Strive to Be a Good Role Model for Your Children

Healthy habits formed in childhood often last a lifetime, so encourage practices promoting your child’s physical and mental well-being. However, be prepared to practice what you preach by setting a positive example. Eating balanced meals, establishing a bedtime routine, limiting your screen time, and exercising together as a family can help establish healthy habits that become commonplace over time.

Stay Proactive About Your Family’s Healthcare With Updates

If you’re ready to receive further insights about being proactive about your family’s healthcare, please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. As a New York-based law firm with 50+ years of personal injury and medical malpractice expertise, Pegalis Law Group, LLC is committed to creating more proactive patients to save lives this year.