To many, “a healthy start” focuses on what children need before they start school: prenatal care, immunizations, and school readiness. Indeed, these early years are crucial. But we must also think about this promise more broadly-as “a healthy
start” for adulthood. The following are necessary to ensure that children grow up healthy:
Accessible and affordable health insurance which covers immunizations, regular checkups, eye, ear and dental exams, and treatment of illness.
Health education focusing on risk behaviors such as violence and alcohol, drug and tobacco use.
Adequate nutrition and exercise.
Powell says, “I’ve been to schools in America where the teachers have told me that the kids come back to school on
Monday weighing less than when they left Friday afternoon - where kids show up without even the most basic physical exam - where they don’t have their vaccinations. We can do better than that.”
Source: America’s Promise Web Page
Jan 8, 2001
Click here for definitions & background information on Health Care.
