The specialty of pediatrics deals with the physical, mental, and social well-being of children from birth to young adulthood. The scope of pediatric health care covers a wide range of services, including preventive health care as well as acute and chronic disease diagnosis and treatment.

A pediatrician can specialize in developmental pediatrics or pediatric hospital medicine. Most parents see a general pediatrician, and they provide quite a bit of information and monitor their children’s development closely.

In short, pediatrics is the branch of care in which pediatricians specialize and it is accessible for your child in various manners.

Health is not merely the absence of disease or disability, but the state of being physically, mentally, intellectually, socially, and emotionally well. A healthy child lives in a family, environment, and community in which he or she is able to develop to the fullest extent possible.
 
It is impossible for children to achieve optimal health on their own. In order to learn and grow successfully, they need the support of adults in their family and pediatric care. Children are constantly changing and growing and it is important they do so under careful supervision.

The health of children is fundamental to the health and well-being of adults. During childhood, when children’s health is nurtured and supported and opportunities exist for children to develop healthy habits, they are less likely to develop chronic health problems such as overweight/obesity, poor oral health, diabetes and other chronic mental and physical health problems in adulthood.

Development and growth of your child are dependent on their health. It is important to remember that your child’s health goes beyond their physical development. Other aspects of your child’s health include their cognitive (learning and thinking) development, their social and emotional development, and their mental health. Your child’s overall well-being is formed by all aspects of health and development. Children do not only require health care when they are sick or injured, although pediatrics offer that as well, but ongoing supervision to promote optimal health outcomes.
 
The importance of emphasizing that children are not simply small adults should not be underestimated. In pediatrics, all children are provided with optimal and appropriate care.

A child’s behavior is a helpful indicator of their health. The chances of a child having a very serious illness are slim if he or she looks, behaves, and acts normally. Generally, a healthy child has a good appetite and sleeps well at night. Additionally, they will have plenty of energy and a natural curiosity about their surroundings, and they will act accordingly to their age.

However, the best way to ensure the health of your child is to maintain regular well child visits with your pediatrician.

Since children grow up so fast, it’s important to keep an eye on their wellness every year. You can trust a pediatrician to assess your child’s health by scheduling a yearly well-child check.
 
You will be able to see how much your child has grown since your last visit as your provider will focus on developmental milestones. It will be easier for them to address concerns if they are familiar with your child’s medical history. You should take your child to the doctor regularly to prevent serious illness and find potential problems early.
 
Your child’s doctor will measure height, weight, blood pressure, and reflexes during the checkup. During a child’s teenage years, the doctor will check for depression, eating disorders, and signs of substance abuse.
 
Children’s health and pediatric care are available at Olivero Pediatrics. We are conveniently located at 1243 Skytop Mountain Rd. Suite 4, Port Matilda, PA 16870. Please call us for more information or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Port Matilda PA, Waddle PA, Julian PA, State College PA, Bellefonte PA, Pennsylvania Furnace PA, and Pine Grove Mills PA.