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Healthy Kids - Articles that may help Children and Alcohol
It may seem too early to
talk to your child about
alcohol, but talking
about it now may help
prevent problems in the
future.
The Department of Health have a number of leaflets giving information about alcohol; for more information telephone the Department of Health Publications Orderline on 08701 555 455. Your local Health Promotion Unit (in the phone book under Health Promotion Unit or Health Education Unit) may also have copies. Eye care for children
At what age can a child have an eye examination?
Many health authorities test children at around three years of age (your doctor or health visitor will contact you). However, if you are concerned, or if there are any members of your family with eye problems, you can have your child’s eyes tested earlier. Remember: the earlier a problem is detected, the more effectively it can be treated.
How long should a sight test take?
This can vary. A young, healthy person with no apparent problems will take about 20 minutes.
Will it be the same as an adult eye test?
No. Special tests have been devised for very young children and as with all eye tests, they don't hurt.
What if my child needs glasses?
Children can choose from a wide variety of frames, which are practical as well as fashionable. Children's glasses have features such as adjustable nose pads and saddle bridges for small, unformed noses, and spring hinges for comfort. Plastic lenses are recommended for children, being lighter and safer than glass, and these can be treated with anti-scratch coatings.
Can children wear contact lenses?
Young children would normally only be prescribed contact lenses for special conditions. Your child’s optician can tell you more. Older children can wear contact lenses, but both the child and parent must be aware of the high level of care needed to keep contact lenses clean and safe, as well as the need for frequent check-ups to keep their eyes healthy.
What is available under the National Health Service (NHS)
Under the NHS an eye examination is available free of charge for all children up to the age of 16, and up to the age of 19 if they are in full-time education.
Following an eye examination, parents are entitled to a voucher towards the cost of any glasses or contact lenses prescribed for their child. The value of the voucher depends on the prescription needed. Ask your optician for more details. Immunisation for children
Due to the national childhood immunisation programme, dangerous diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria and polio have practically disappeared in the UK. But some diseases could come back. That’s why it’s so important to protect your child.
The UK’s immunisation schedule Babies up to 15 months:
The recommended schedule for childhood immunisations gives children the best chance of developing immunity and minimises their risk of catching the diseases In addition, some babies in high-risk groups are given a BCG immunisation for protection against tuberculosis shortly after they are born. Higher risk infants may also receive immunisation against Hepatitis B. Your doctor/health visitor will give you more information if your child needs these immunisations. Getting your child immunised
Before your child starts school, they will usually be immunised either at your doctor’s surgery or local child health clinic. An appointment is usually sent either from the Child Health Department or by your surgery.
Once your child starts school, they will usually be immunised there. The school will contact you before your child is given any immunisation. If you have any questions or want more information, you can talk to your health visitor, doctor, school nurse or practice nurse at your doctor’s surgery. You can also call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 (England and Wales only). Calls are charged at local rates. For patient’s safety all calls are recorded. Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own NHS services. Find out more by using the links below. Flu jabs
A flu jab is recommended each year, before winter begins, for children who may find it difficult to fight off flu or who are at greater risk of developing complications. If your child has one of the following conditions, a jab is recommended and you should speak to your doctor
Pneumococcal vaccine
Pneumo vaccines are recommended for children who may be at higher risk from pneumococcal disease. There are two types of pneumo vaccines: one is given as a course to children under two years of age and the other as a single dose for all children from two years of age. This group should also include those children reaching two years of age who have previously had a course of the other type. If your child has one of the following conditions, a jab is recommended and you should speak to your doctor:
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