Care4Kids: Supporting Healthy Growth and Development
October 28, 2024
Written by: Bandana Thapa, Nurse Practitioner
As children grow, it is essential for families to prioritize their health and development. Well-baby and well-child visits are key to ensuring that children are growing and developing as expected, while also providing critical opportunities to protect them from preventable diseases through vaccination.
Why Vaccines Matter
Vaccinations are a crucial aspect of preventive healthcare, protecting children from potentially life-threatening diseases. According to the World Health Organization, vaccinations prevent 2 to 3 million deaths worldwide each year (World Health Organization, 2022). In Canada, childhood vaccines protect against serious illnesses such as measles, polio, and meningitis (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2023).
In Ontario, children receive vaccines according to a schedule recommended by healthcare authorities, including Toronto Public Health. For example, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is typically administered at 12 months, protecting children from these highly contagious diseases (Ontario Ministry of Health, 2023). Vaccination coverage rates in Ontario exceed 90%, helping protect both individual children and the wider community through herd immunity (Toronto Public Health, 2023).
It is crucial to stay on schedule with vaccinations to avoid delays that could leave children vulnerable. Missing or postponing vaccines can lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases, as seen in recent measles outbreaks linked to vaccination gaps (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022).
The Benefits of Well-Baby and Well-Child Visits
Regular checkups during the early years are about more than just vaccines. These visits ensure that a child’s growth and development are on track. Ontario’s health guidelines recommend at least seven well-baby visits by the time a child reaches 18 months of age (Ontario Ministry of Health, 2023). These visits are crucial for:
- Early Detection: Early identification of potential health issues, such as hearing, vision, or developmental delays, increases the chances of successful treatment. Toronto Public Health notes that screening for developmental milestones in the first two years helps identify conditions like autism or language delays early, allowing for timely intervention (Toronto Public Health, 2023).
- Monitoring Growth: During these visits, healthcare providers track height, weight, and head circumference to ensure that babies are growing at a healthy rate. According to a study published by the Canadian Pediatric Society, nearly 30% of infants experience growth concerns, such as failure to thrive, which can be addressed during these visits (Canadian Pediatric Society, 2022).
- Parental Support: These visits provide an opportunity for parents to ask questions about sleep, nutrition, and behavior. For instance, nearly 40% of parents in Ontario report concerns about their child’s eating habits or sleep patterns, which can be discussed with healthcare providers during well-child visits (Ontario Ministry of Health, 2023).
Introducing the Care4Kids Program
At the Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (SCHC), we recognize the unique challenges faced by families without access to primary care. The Care4Kids program is now up and running to help address this gap, providing comprehensive health services to children and families who do not have a registered healthcare provider.
Care4Kids focuses on ensuring that unregistered children receive well-baby/well-child checkups, routine immunizations, and access to primary healthcare services. Our program aims to bridge the gap in care by offering these essential services, free of charge, to families in need.
Eligibility for Care4Kids
- Children under 18 who are not registered with a family doctor.
- Families who do not have a primary healthcare provider.
- Uninsured or underinsured children and families living in Scarborough.
We are committed to supporting the health and well-being of every child in our community. For more information or to check your eligibility for Care4Kids, please contact us at SCHC.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Measles cases and outbreaks. https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html
- Canadian Pediatric Society. (2022). Growth concerns in infants. https://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/growth-concerns
- Ontario Ministry of Health. (2023). Immunization schedule for Ontario. https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/immunization/
- Public Health Agency of Canada. (2023). Vaccine-preventable diseases in Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization.html
- Toronto Public Health. (2023). Childhood immunization guidelines. https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/immunization/childhood-immunization/
- World Health Organization. (2022). Vaccines and immunization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization