It is also important for children to get regular check-ups with their health care provider. These visits are a chance to check your child's development. They are also a good time to catch or prevent problems.
Staying healthy is vital for proper growth and development of their mind and body. Children need enough energy to sustain them throughout the day and the have different needs at different age groups.
We will share expert advice and guidelines that will hopefully contribute towards the health of our children.
Childhood Vaccinations
Expanded Programme on Immunisation – EPI (SA)
There are many ways to protect your child against childhood diseases as they grow up. When it comes to protection against certain childhood diseases, vaccination is strongly recommended by the Department of Health (DoH). Children need to be vaccinated in order to protect them from certain infectious, dangerous and preventable diseases.
The vaccines on the EPI programme are provided free of charge by the South African Government at government and municipal clinics. Private clinics (such as clinics in pharmacies) and private nurses and doctors also provide these vaccines for free, but require a consultation fee; this usually includes a counselling session that monitors, among other things, the growth and development of the baby.
What you need to know about Childhood Vaccinations
The Health of South African Children
Healthy Active Kids South Africa (HAKSA) Report Card 2014
The Healthy Active Kids South Africa (HAKSA) Report Card 2014 gives insight to the health and activity status of South African kids. It examines the best evidence available for the current health status of South African children and youth, and asks the question: Are we doing enough?
While there are promising improvements reflected in the 2014 report, fewer children are going to bed hungry, and more are participating in organised sport, there is cause for concern, particularly in the areas of sedentary behaviour (where we rank towards the bottom on the global matrix) and fast food consumption, for which we score an F-. Overall the score for South African children in 2014 has slid from a C- to a D.
Non-communicable diseases account for more than a third of all deaths in South Africa, with notable increases in the risk factors of inactivity and obesity. And these trends are not unique to adults, children are increasingly affected by chronic diseases of lifestyle. While the levels of overweight, obesity and inactivity in urban youth are on the rise, their health is in decline. It is clear that we are not yet doing enough to guide our almost 19 million children towards being healthy active kids. There is an urgent need for primary prevention of physical inactivity and obesity in children and youth, through effective and supportive policies and programmes ranging from peer and parental support, the school environment, through to communities and government.
This report takes a step towards developing healthy active kids – to help us identify and provide more opportunities for better nutrition and more activity for our children. We're not only enhancing their health with the immediate benefits of exercise and healthy eating – we're investing in a healthy future too.
For the full report click here
Children's Mental Health
Mental health in childhood means reaching developmental and emotional milestones, and learning healthy social skills and how to cope when there are problems. Mentally healthy children have a positive quality of life and can function well at home, in school, and in their communities.
What are childhood mental disorders?
Mental disorders among children are described as serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions, which cause distress and problems getting through the day.
Children with mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders can have other health or developmental conditions at the same time. Sometimes the difficulties from having a chronic health condition—those that go on for a long time and often don't go away completely—or disability increase the risk for developing mental health problems. Sometimes having more than one condition can make mental health symptoms worse. Careful diagnosis to guide treatment is important.
What you can do
Parents: You know your child best. Talk to your child's healthcare professional if you have concerns about the way your child behaves at home, in school, or with friends.
Youth: It is just as important to take care of your mental health as it is to take care of your physical health. If you are angry, worried or sad, don't be afraid to talk about your feelings and reach out to a trusted friend or adult.
Healthcare professionals: Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment based on updated guidelines are very important. There are resources available to help diagnose and treat children's mental disorders.
School teachers and administrators: Early identification is important so that children can get the help they need. Work with families and healthcare professionals if you have concerns about the mental health of a child in your school.