Kids and getting sick often seem to go together, just like sunshine and sunburns or spring and allergies. It just seems to happen! Much like sunscreen shields us from the sun’s rays, there are some awesome ways to use preventive sharing to keep your kids healthy.
At Zion HealthShare, we’re dedicated to connecting families to important preventive care services, like well-child visits and immunizations, to ensure your little ones stay happy and healthy year-round. Preventive Sharing is automatically included in the Direct Membership and can be added to the Essential Membership. These resources equip you with what is needed to maximize your health and your family’s health. In this article we’ll explore the world of pediatric care, focusing on well-child visits and preventive care strategies. We’ll also share some practical tips to boost your family’s health at home.
The Power of Preventive
As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This rings especially true when it comes to your child’s health. Building a strong foundation is key to anything lasting, and your child’s health is no exception. Just like a good house isn’t built in a day, strong health for your child takes time and dedication. Preventive care acts as a strong foundation for your child’s health. With regular checkups and immunizations, your child builds up defenses that keep them healthy and thriving.
Beyond the Pediatrician’s office
Preventive care goes beyond just avoiding sickness. It can be an early warning system, catching potential issues before they become bigger problems. This early intervention is especially important for babies and young children with developmental delays and disabilities. Acting early not only helps the child catch up and thrive, but it also helps the whole family by providing resources and support. Not sure how your child’s development tracks with their age?
There are several resources outside of your pediatrician that can help you monitor and track your child’s development from home.
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control) Early Intervention Page: Explore the CDC’s Early Intervention Page, offering a comprehensive milestone tracker app designed to watch your child’s development from 1 month to 5 years. Additionally, access valuable information and links to early intervention programs available in your state.
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Includes an extensive range of articles, resources, and milestone tracking tools for every stage of your child’s life, from prenatal care to young adulthood. Stay informed about your child’s growth and development while accessing expert guidance from trusted pediatric professionals.
- KidsHealth: Developed by the Nemours Foundation, KidsHealth offers easy to understand articles, videos and interactive tools for parents, kids, and teens. It covers a wide range of topics related to children’s health, including medical conditions, emotional wellness, and healthy living habits.
Spotlight on Well-Child Visits
Regular Pediatric Care visits play a vital role in your child’s health and development.
Newborns usually have more frequent visits, which gradually become less frequent as your child grows older.
During these Pediatric Care Visits, your child’s healthcare provider will provide the following:
- Comprehensive physical exam
- Screen for developmental milestones based on age
- Administer necessary immunizations to protect from preventable diseases
Ask Your Questions
Pediatric Care visits are a great time to ask any questions you may have about your child’s health, growth, or development. Your pediatrician may also provide guidance on nutrition, sleep habits, and social and emotional development.
Regular well-child visits allow for early detection of potential health concerns, ensuring prompt intervention when needed.
They also set up a strong relationship with your child’s healthcare provider, helping you and your child feel comfortable discussing health needs. Zion HealthShare encourages visits for children at the following ages:
| Birth | 1 Month |
| 2 Months | 4 Months |
| 6 Months | 9 Months |
| 12 Months | 15 Months |
| 18 Months | 30 Months |
| 36 months (about 3 years) | Annual Provider Visits |
Annual Visits
At the age of 3, Pediatric Care visits typically transition to annual provider visits, to continue the important monitoring of your child’s health. With Preventive Sharing, well-child and annual provider visits are eligible for sharing, sharing is limited to the services provided during the office visit only, up to $175. If you are struggling to find a provider that suits your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Medical Advocacy Team. They can help you find reasonably priced medical providers for any of your upcoming medical needs. You can contact them at 888-399-0017 or advocacy@zionhealthshare.org.
Immunizations: Keeping Kids Safe and Healthy
Immunizations are a shield, that’s true, but imagine them like a powerful umbrella protecting your child from a downpour of nasty illnesses. Think of each raindrop as a different disease- measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, polio, chickenpox and more. Immunizations work by introducing a weakened or inactive form of these “raindrops” to your child’s body. Their body learns to recognize and fight off these weakened versions, so if they meet a real storm later, they have the tools to stay dry- or in this case, healthy!
While your child’s umbrella (immunizations) might not completely prevent every single raindrop (illness), it significantly reduces the chances of getting drenched or seriously sick. The best part? Widespread immunization creates a powerful community shield. Even those who can’t receive immunizations due to medical challenges are shielded by the reduced number of diseases circulating.
Build Your Child’s Shield
Building your child’s shield against illness goes hand-in-hand with well-child visits.
If you and your family want to participate in immunizations, Zion HealthShare is here to support you.
This helpful chart outlines the recommended child and youth immunization schedule, conveniently aligned with well-child and annual provider visits. It is important to note that sharing is limited to the immunizations listed in the chart and is subject to pricing based on the CDC price list
Preventive Care Strategies at Home
Beyond well-child visits and immunizations, there are many things you can do at home to promote your child’s health and well-being. Here are some effective strategies:
- Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit sugary drinks and processed foods.
- Physical Activity: Encourage daily physical activity, whether through playtime, sports, or outdoor adventures.
- Sleep: Set up a regular sleep schedule to ensure your child gets sufficient rest for their age. Click to see the CDC’s recommended amount of sleep per age chart.
- Hygiene: Teach your child proper handwashing techniques to prevent the spread of germs
- Open Communication: Create an open and honest environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their health concerns.
Conclusion: Partnering for a Healthy Future
As parents, caregivers, and advocates for our children’s health, we hold the power to shape their future. By embracing preventive care strategies and fostering healthy habits, we create a solid foundation for their well-being and resilience. Don’t wait! Review our immunization schedule to keep track of the recommended vaccinations and plan a well-child visit with your pediatrician to catch up on any you may have missed.
Thank you for being a member of the Zion HealthShare community. Together let’s build a healthy future for our children, one well-child visit, one immunization, and one healthy habit at a time.
Resource list:
- CDC Vaccines: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
- WHO Immunization: https://www.who.int/topics/immunization/en/
- CDC Parents & Children: https://www.cdc.gov/parents/children/index.html
Visit Zion HealthShare to learn more and connect with our community.
The content in this blog is meant to be informative in nature, but it shouldn’t be taken as medical advice, and it shouldn’t take the place of medical advice or supervision from a trained professional.
Last Revision: 04/15/2024
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