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A child’s early years are crucial to their growth and development… and this all begins at home. Children must eat well, have good love and affection from adults, as well as good communication. This will help in their journey to becoming a healthy and strong person.
But what exactly are the signs of a healthy growing child? Here are some ways to identify:
They’ve got a healthy appetite
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Children with good appetite consume food from multiple food groups, which shows a balanced diet. However, they may be more attracted to bright and colourful snacks with unpredictable eating habits. So, watch out for what they’re eating and drinking.
They’ve got good teeth and gums
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As with adults, good dental hygiene applies to children as well. Solid, strong and clean teeth indicate that your child has good nutrition. Do keep their teeth in check and ensure that there are no cavities or gum problems.
They are of an optimal height and weight
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Your child should be at a normal weight based on their age and height. A good balance shows that they are getting sufficient nutrients from the food that they eat. Any form of unusual weight loss is not a good sign, so consult a doctor if you’re concerned.
They have normal bowel movements
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Regular trips to the toilet to do Number Two mean that your child has enough fibre to produce good bowel action, which also means that they have a healthy immune system. But if your child is facing frequent constipation, you may want to add more fruits and vegetables to their meals.
They are an energetic bunch
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If your child is alert, active and energetic, this indicates that nutrients are being absorbed well. Young children are known to have almost unstoppable energy, but if he or she prefers sitting down all the time, he may be low on iron or anaemic.
They are getting good sleep
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Uninterrupted sleep is another sign of a healthy growing child. So, if you notice that your child gets up several times in the night, moves around a lot or has irregular sleeping patterns, this could be due to things like illness, allergies, sleep apnea, and others.
With that being said, looking for these signs alone aren’t a good enough indication. Most of our children rarely see a healthcare professional after they turn two—unless they are sick, of course. However, this shouldn’t be the case because our untrained eye may miss some signs. It’s also important for them to go for routine health checkups and get the necessary vaccination to keep germs and bacteria away.
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According to Dr Liew Pei Sze of ParkCity Medical Centre, “natural infection puts children at risk of serious complications for disease. Meanwhile, vaccines provide us with protection as good as natural immunity, removing the risk of developing severe complication due to the infection.”
If you’re looking for a good paediatrician and health package for your precious one, ParkCity Medical Centre is offering child wellness packages for two-year olds up to 18-year olds, starting from RM310.
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Each specialised screening package is catered to a specific age group, helping the child to develop and grow to his/her potential. Your child will have access to a team of paediatricians, clinical psychologists, audiologists and other healthcare professionals who have expertise in helping families make healthy changes.
For more information, you can speak to a representative at the ParkCity Medical Centre’s Health Screening Centre at 03-6279 3188 or follow their Facebook and Instagram.