Addressing children’s health concerns

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Healthcare professionals also involved in community service, such as Sharon Younkin, help address concerns on health problems, including those of the youth.

A C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health indicates that obesity is the top health hazard among children. This is followed by drug abuse and smoking.

Helping children cope

To give children a head start on lifelong health, community service professionals for public health like Sharon Younkin emphasize the importance of sports and other physical activities. With an adult’s encouragement, such activities will spark children’s interest in being active and will turn their attention from unhealthy food and habits.

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Since obesity is the number one concern among children, they have to be taught early on the value of having a healthy diet and sticking to portion control. This is a way of making them aware of what types of food to eat, in what amounts, and how these practices can help them lead healthy lives. Other disease prevention measures matter, too. These may come through vaccinations, child safety and school health, and regular doctor visitation.

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Parents can begin education their children on nutrition by talking about medical topics in a way that’s age-appropriate. For example, they may discuss why children take medications, share tidbits about chronic conditions, or teach them methods of caring for their medical tools and equipment. Children’s health experts also push adults to set good examples for kids to follow.

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