Healthy Children Sourcebook

The health of our nation's children has been continually improving in the past two decades. The 1997 death rate of pre-adolescent children was approximately 21 per 100,000, about a third lower than the 1980 death rate for the same age group. In 1996, about 81% of children were reported to be in very good health. However, if this trend is to be sustained and increased, parents must be dedicated to keeping their children healthy. Because lifelong, health-related habits are often developed in the pre-adolescent years, ages three through twelve are especially crucial in a child's journey to healthy adulthood.

This Sourcebook provides parents and care givers with basic information regarding the physical and mental development of healthy, pre-adolescent children. It gives advice about basic preventative health care including dental hygiene, nutrition and exercise, check-ups, ear and eye screening, vaccine schedules, and the health care system. Parents and care givers will also benefit from information regarding safety and first aid, common growth and developmental stages, and education. Tips on topics such as bed wetting, day care, monitoring TV and other media, and helping your child grow up drug-free are also provided. Additionally, this Sourcebook includes a glossary and resource listing for additional help and information.