Healthcare Professional Can Help
Some high-risk situations can be improved with the help of trained medical professionals. This section focuses on how healthcare professionals can help caregivers manage a child’s specific health needs and promote healthy long-term behavior choices. The topics discussed range in type and severity and include both physical and emotional health concerns. However, in all of these high-risk situations, caregivers and healthcare professionals can work together to support a child’s needs and encourage a positive relationship with the health systems they interact with.
Allergies in children can be caused by various substances, which makes it important for caregivers to understand how to limit a child’s exposure. This chapter describes symptoms and available treatment options for caregivers to consider based on the type of reactions a child experiences.
Asthma management in children requires both the child and caregiver to learn about specific triggers and how to relieve an asthma attack. Healthcare providers can support caregivers by teaching them about proper medication use and programs to help pay for treatment. This chapter also emphasizes how asthma may affect a child’s mental health and schooling.
Discussing STIs and Related Vaccinations can protect children from a variety of infections by encouraging safe sexual practices. HPV in particular can cause many cancers but a vaccine is available that protects against the virus. In this chapter, caregivers will learn about the importance of STI conversations, along with the effects of the HPV vaccine, its dosage, and who is eligible.
Childhood cancer refers to a number of diagnoses in which the cells of a particular body system have mutated and divided uncontrollably. This chapter aims to make caregivers aware of common symptoms of childhood cancers and of numerous treatment options. Several resources are also provided for emotional and financial support.
Childhood anxiety and depression can significantly impact a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. Various stressful events can cause a child to develop anxiety or depression, yet symptom presentations may look different. This chapter shares both therapy and medication techniques for caregivers to help alleviate some of these negative emotions.
Drug abuse can affect both children whose parents use drugs and child drug users themselves. Various biological and social factors influence a child’s decision to use certain substances. This chapter will discuss the most commonly abused substances and how caregivers may prevent and intervene if a child has a substance abuse issue.
Eating disorders can be classified based on how they affect a child’s eating patterns and relate to their body image. This chapter describes the demographics of children with eating disorders as well as the importance of body image and family relationships in developing these conditions. Helpful tips on how to start an eating disorder conversation are provided, as well as a wide range of support resources.
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, can manifest in children in various ways related to the nature of the traumatic event. This chapter outlines social and behavioral changes often seen in children with PTSD and how they can seek support from parents and peers.
Racism in a healthcare setting may affect a child’s perception of providers and their willingness to seek treatment. When a child encounters racism and discrimination, they may develop several physical symptoms. They may also face more negative health outcomes due to differences in quality of care and recognition of symptoms. Caregivers can help children overcome these issues by helping them learn about and form a strong cultural identity; strategies for doing so are listed in this chapter.
