Children’s Health

Children’s Health

On the right-hand menu, you’ll find a list of the most common illnesses and problems that can affect children’s health.

Children can be more susceptible to illness and disease when they are younger, as they have not yet been exposed to the many common germs or had time to build up a strong immune system.

This is why it’s important that you ensure your child eats a balanced diet as good food, exercise and plenty of rest helps your child to grow and avoid illness.

Regular exercise

Physical activities provide many important health benefits for children, as well as the rest of the family. Regular exercise can also make children feel good and build their confidence, too. Parents should therefore encourage children to participate in physical activities that are safe and fun – especially those the whole family can take part in such as swimming, bicycle riding, walking and team sports like football, netball and tennis.

Remember, children learn from their parents. If you regularly exercise and enjoy a healthy balanced diet, your children are likely to follow your example. Adopting healthy habits at an early age will also help your child to build these good habits for the rest of their life.

Childhood Vaccination

Another important thing you must do to protect the health of your child is to ensure they have their vaccinations (immunisations). Immunisation is the use of a vaccine to protect against disease. When a vaccine is given, the body produces substances called antibodies, which protect against future infections.

Immunisation helps your child’s body to develop a lasting resistance to serious infections and diseases. After the age of 2 months, you can have your child immunized to protect against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, Hib (to protect against bacterial meningitis) and polio. Then at the age of one year, another vaccine called M.M.R is given to protect against Measles, Mumps and Rubella (German measles). The last vaccine a child should receive is at the age of 10-13 for Tuberculosis (B.C.G).

Children’s Health Tests

Children are often unaware of the problems that can exist in their bodies and their busy energetic lives make them prime targets for neglecting their health. This can makes it difficult to know when a child is ill at times, which is where health checks and tests can help.

There are a number of ways to test children’s health and treat conditions at home. You’ll find out more about the testing kits and medicines available on the right-hand menu under each condition. Alternatively, take look at our products. In the first instance, however, always speak to your GP if you are concerned about your children’s health.

If you discover after doctor visits or home health tests that your child could be faking illness to avoid school, it is recommended that you contact the school, as bullying could be a possibility.

If you don’t find the health condition listed in the right-hand menu, try our search facility as it may be under a different section.

If the illness/condition you require information on is not on this site then please complete our feedback form telling us what it is you would like to know more about.