The Indispensable Role of A Pediatrician

Children are a true gift to parents, and so deserve only the proper care and upbringing. How the parents raise their children will define the kind of life they'll have in the future. Therefore, it is very important that parents seek the assistance of pediatricians to secure a good future for their children. Below are the basic tasks of a pediatrician.

Although pediatrics is a highly flexible specialty, the role of a pediatrician is centered on the physical, emotional, and social well-being of people in between the stages of infancy and young adulthood. They detect, prevent, and manage possible ailments and conditions that can affect children before they mature. These tasks are crucial in the formation of the children's health.

Unlike psychologists who focus on the behavioral aspect of people's lives, pediatricians are directly involved in the treatment of different types of disease and dysfunction in children. They are also skilled in providing solutions that help reduce infant and child mortality. They are trained to develop ways that can help ease the daily living condition of patients with chronic ailments.

While parents do most of the work in raising their children, pediatricians serve as a backup when certain conditions develop. They should work hand-in-hand to make healthy citizens out of the children, who will later become the leaders of society. That's why parents should trust the skills and dedication of pediatricians. 

When Even Experts of Pediatrics in Littleton Can Contribute to National Defense

Being overweight can mean one less American called up in the defense of the nation. Retired Marine Brig-Gen David Brahms said in a UT San Diego op-ed that the Department of Defense is concerned about 75% of young Americans being unqualified for military service, with recruitment personnel tagging obesity as the leading cause for disqualification. His statement was publicized soon after the American Medical Association classified obesity as an actual disease. This condition has long been regarded as a risk factor for serious ailments such as Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Fighting off HFMD with Help from a Credible Littleton Pediatrician

The notorious hand-foot-and-mouth-disease (HFMD) is, once again, rearing its ugly head. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that a more virulent strain triggered cases in four states over the winter of 2011-2012. Researchers found the timing of this outbreak odd, however, as increased prevalence of HFMD is usually observed in summer or fall, being triggered by the Coxsackie A16 virus.

Finding a Qualified Pediatrician for your Baby

Finding a good pediatrician for your child should be one of your biggest priorities. While many parents choose to send their children to the family doctor for checkups, pediatricians are able to provide more specialized care. Aside from regular checkups throughout all stages of infancy, pediatricians will monitor the growth and development of your child, and will administer immunizations.

Looking for a good pediatrician should start as early as conception because you won't have time to consider your options once you've given birth. It is not good to look for a suitable pediatrician when your child is sick either. Your baby's sickness might put you in panic mode, which could lead to poor decision-making. This, of course, leads to the question: How does one find a good pediatrician?

You can ask your friends and relatives (especially mothers) to recommend reputable pediatricians. You can also ask your gynecologist for recommendations, or go to local hospitals and request for referrals. Finally, you can browse the referral database of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Once you've found some prospects, check the pediatricians' credentials. He or she should be board certified, and should have completed at least three years of residency in either pediatrics or family medicine. Finding a reliable pediatrician for your baby can be challenging, but you must exert the necessary effort to ensure the best medical care for your baby. 

Pediatricians: The Right Doctor for Children

It is very important to choose the right pediatrician for your baby. To get things right, you should start looking for a good pediatrician well before your baby's due date. You can ask your gynecologist, friends, or family members to recommend qualified and experienced pediatricians. You can also make inquiries at the public affairs department at the nearest hospitals, or browse the referral database of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Once you've found some reputable pediatricians, you'll need to check their credentials. Verify if these pediatricians are certified by board of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and if they're members of this organization. Members of the AAP will have an “FAAP” added after their names. This distinction means that the pediatrician has met established standards for providing excellent childcare.

Many parents entrust their children to pediatricians because these medical practitioners can expertly diagnose and treat common childhood illnesses. As pediatricians specialize in treating infants and young children, they understand that children need specialized care. Some parents, however, choose to entrust the medical needs of their newborn children to family physicians . This is not an uncommon choice and has its merits—the family physician will be familiar with the medical history of the family, after all. Whether you choose a pediatrician or family physician, always ensure that your doctor can be reached easily during emergencies.