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Child Immunization

Immunizations: To Serve and Protect

We’ve all heard the saying “Better safe than sorry,” and when it comes to immunizing your children, this couldn’t be more important. Vaccinations protect your loved ones from the inside out, and are an invaluable way to prevent them from contracting potentially life-threatening infectious diseases by the time they’re just two years old.

If that sounds like a win-win, it is. Better yet, all the vaccinations your children require are available at no cost through AltaMed for patients 0-17 years of age.

When it comes to vaccinating newborns, it’s important that you stick to a schedule to make sure they’re receiving the proper inoculations and doses as needed. This time frame has been developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect children when they are most vulnerable.

The current vaccine supply in the U.S. is the safest in this country’s history. The most common side effects are very mild and include pain or swelling at the site of the injection. Fussiness or a low-grade fever may also occur for a couple of days.

Disease prevention benefits far outweigh any possible side effects, which is why it’s so important to create a schedule and vaccination checklist for your children. Keep these records in a safe place and take photos of them with your phone so you always have them handy. As your child grows, you’ll need to have them available for schooling, child care and sports. If you’ve fallen behind, don’t worry – your primary care provider can help you come up with a plan to catch up.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (888) 499-9303. We can schedule an appointment with your provider who can help you figure out where your child is at in their immunization timeline and set up vaccination schedule.

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Kid Eating Fruit

Continue the Fight Against Childhood Obesity

Now that school is in full swing, AltaMed wants to ensure your child is consuming the right foods to remain happy and healthy in the classroom. Whether it’s playing games with their classmates or dedicating time to complete homework, we always want to ensure our children make the right choices. This includes making the right decisions for their health, as childhood obesity is a problem within the United States.

September is National Childhood Obesity Prevention Month and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in five school-aged children (ages 6-19) have obesity. Childhood obesity has immediate and long-term effects on physical, social and emotional health of children. Including:
 

  • Health conditions and diseases such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, type 2 diabetes and risk factors for heart disease.
  • Chances of being bullied or teased, as well as social isolation, depression and lower self-esteem.
  • Possibility of being obese as an adult

Here are a few ways to ensure your child is receiving the proper exercise and nutrients to live a healthy life.
 

  • Be Active: It’s hard to pull your child away from their beloved video games and cell phones, but sometimes they need to enjoy the fresh air! Take your child to the park and let them explore. This provides the opportunity to release some built-up energy and reduce stress levels. This also is a way for children to meet new friends and practice their social skills, face-to-face.
  • Encourage Healthy Eating Habits: We all know that children are tempted by junk food. Give your child snacks filled with fiber and nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables and nuts. Try carrots and hummus dip, celery or apples and peanut butter, or even frozen grapes (which is a yummy snack for the summer and fall).
  • Be a Role Model: Show your children that physical activity and healthy eating habits have great benefits like strengthening bones, decreasing blood pressure and increasing self-esteem. Go outside and play soccer or basketball with them. You can even do something not so competitive, like play jump rope or hula-hoop!

AltaMed takes childhood obesity seriously, which is why we will continue beyond September to find the education and resources to help improve our community members’ lives. We have programs such as STOMP to empower children (ages 2-18) and their families to set healthy habits. Additionally, AltaMed participates in the Healthy Communities, Healthy Lives initiative, which encourages local businesses and grocery stores to provide healthy options to their customers.

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Dental Health Month

Make Sure Your Child Keeps Those Pearly Whites Intact

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and we want to ensure that your children have happy and healthy smiles.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 children ages 5 to 11 have at least one untreated cavity. Untreated cavities can lead to problems with eating, speaking and learning. Additionally, untreated decay can lead to major health problems and even death.

Here are a few tips to help your children maintain beautiful smiles and avoid potential health problems:
 

  • Have your child brush their teeth three times a day
  • Limit sugary foods and drinks, like candy, soda and juice
  • Take your child for a dental checkup every six months
  • Ask your child’s dentist about sealants, which can protect your child’s teeth from cavities

Give Kids a Smile

During the month of February, AltaMed participated in the Give Kids a Smile campaign because your child’s oral health is important to us. Our ultimate goal is provide a pleasurable experience at our dental offices and show children that going to the dentist can be fun.

Visit any of our dental offices and protect your child from cavities. Call to make a dental appointment for your child today at (888) 499-9309.

Immunizations: To Serve and Protect