We had so much fun hosting our first annual Caterpillar Clubhouse Health Fair last week! It provided free health services over the course of two days for 23 kids enrolled in childcare. Our awesome Health Communication intern, Abby Wynn, organized the event as part of her capstone project for the Health Communication degree at Dixie State Communication. We are so grateful for her hard work and everyone who came out that day to make this happen!
Why are health screenings so important?
VISION
Healthy eyes and vision are a critical part of child’s development. Their eyes should be examined regularly, as many vision problems and eye diseases can be detected and treated early, helping them to be ready to learn.
DEVELOPMENT SCREENINGS
Early identification puts children on track for success and learning. Development screenings help to determine whether a child needs additional help.
FLUORIDE
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making both baby teeth and permanent teeth that are forming, resistant to the acid that causes demineralization that creates cavities. Children with healthy mouths and teeth are better able to eat, speak and focus on learning.
HEARING
Hearing problems can be treated if they’re caught early, so it’s important to get your child’s hearing screened early and evaluated regularly. Even a mild or partial hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to speak and understand language and readiness to learn.
BLOOD LEAD LEVELS
Lead poisoning causes a range of health effects from behavioral problems and learning disabilities. Lead is HIGHLY toxic and can lead to seizures and death. Children need a blood lead test at 12 and 24 months to monitor the level of lead in their blood to ensure that they have not been exposed to dangerous levels of lead and are keeping healthy and prepared for learning.
HEMATOCRIT LEVELS
Our bodies need oxygen for energy and growth. Red blood cells, hemoglobin, and iron carry oxygen through the blood to the body. Anemia is when the body does not have enough red blood cells, iron, or hemoglobin. It can slow a child’s energy, growth, and development. Hematocrit/Hemoglobin should be checked between 9 and 30 months to make sure a child is healthy and has what his/her body needs to have the energy and oxygen to be ready to learn.
The Caterpillar Clubhouse is now enrolling! Learn more here.
