Nemours' KidsHealth.org has once again released its annual list of "10 Kids' Health Issues to Watch" in 2011. While all the topics on this list are important and worthy of discussion, high on my list are the following three:
1. What electronic records mean for health care.
You may already have encountered yours or your child's electronic health records (EHRs) -- at checkups. If not, you can expect to soon. Electronic records reduce paperwork, cut costs, reduce medical errors and improve the quality of care for patients.
Having complete health information stored in one place and kept current can improve doctor-patient communications. Your pediatrician, for instance, can instantly know the details of care provided by the specialist who also sees your child.
EHRs will change health care delivery in a number of ways:
- your child's health care information will be available "on demand" and not stored in just one office -- reducing duplication of medical testing.
- the safety and privacy of patients' personal health information will be ensured.
- electronically checking for drug-to-drug interactions and drug allergies will make prescriptions safer.
2. Fighting nature deficit disorder.
I think we are all well aware that our kids are spending more and more time indoors on their computers, phones and gaming systems rather than heading outside to enjoy the "great outdoors." Some experts believe this growing trend, recently coined "nature deficit disorder," could be affecting kids' fitness levels as well as their mental and spiritual well-being.
While that may be hard to prove, it is not hard to assume most parents would like to see their kids go outside. And we have a role in unplugging them. Delaware and surrounding states are filled with local parks that offer trails, playgrounds and nature to explore. Even your own backyard can reintroduce your children to nature. You can go on a mini bird-watching walk or check out the different types of rocks. Geocaching is a modern treasure hunt that uses GPS coordinates to direct seekers to various locations for small stashes of fun stuff placed by other geocachers. Engage your kids by asking them to choose which treasures the family should search for.
3. The rise of psychiatric diagnoses in younger kids.
A recent study made a surprising discovery that the rate of antipsychotic medications given to kids two to five years old doubled between 1999 and 2007. Normally used to treat schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder and other severe mental disorders, this study showed these drugs also were given to kids diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders (such as autism), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and disruptive behavior disorder.
About one in five children in the United States has an emotional or behavioral condition, and it is key to make an early diagnosis and decide upon treatment. Many of these conditions respond well to treatment with gentle, kid-friendly techniques like talk therapy. Parents who worry their child might be suffering from a mental health condition should first speak with their pediatrician or primary-care provider, who can assess the child and then refer parents to a mental health specialist for a full evaluation, if needed.
To read about the other hot topics for 2011, visit www.KidsHealth.org.