Necessary Childhood testing
Vision Tests ·
Hearing Tests ·
Additional Tests ·
Nutrition
Your child's vision should be tested before starting school, at 3 to 4 years of age. If at any age your child has any of the vision or hearing warning signs listed below, be sure to talk with your physician.
Vision Warning Signs:
- Eyes turning inward(crossing) or outward
- Squinting
- Headaches
- Not doing as well in school as before
- Blurred or double vision
- Poor response to noise or voice
- Slow language and speech development
- Abnormal sounding speech
- Anemia Test-Your child may need to be tested for anemia, by a test called a complete blood count (CBC) when he or she is still a baby (usually around the first birthday.) Children may also need this test as they get older. Some children may also need a CBC repeated as they get older.
- Cholesterol Test--Children (2 years and older) may need this test especially if they have a parent with high cholesterol or a parent or grandparent with heart disease before age 55. If a family history is not available, testing may be needed if your child is obese or has high blood pressure.
- Tuberculosis (TB) skin test--Children may need this test if they have had close contact with a person who has TB, live in an area where TB is more common than average (such as a Native American reservation, a homeless shelter or an institution) or have recently moved from Asia, Africa, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, or the Pacific Islands.
Guidelines for a Healthy Diet
0-2 Years Old
- Breast milk is the best single food for infants from birth to six months of age. It provides good nutrition and protects against infection. Breast feeding should be continued for at least the first year, if possible. If breast feeding is not possible or not desire, iron-enriched formula (not cow's milk) should be used during the first 12 months of life. Whole cow's milk can be used to replace formula or breast milk after 12 months of age.
- Breast-fed babies, particularly if dark-skinned, who do not get regular exposure to sunlight may need to receive Vitamin D supplements.
- Begin suitable solid foods at 4-6 months of age. Most experts recommend iron-enriched infant rice cereal as the first food.
- Start new foods one at a time to make it easier to identify problem foods. For example, wait one week before adding each new cereal, vegetable, or other food.
- Use iron-rich foods, such as grains, iron-enriched cereals and other grains and meats.
- Do not give honey to infants during the first 12 months of life.
- Do not limit fat during the first 2 years of life.
2 Years and Older
- Provide a variety of foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Use salt (sodium) and sugars in moderation
- Encourage a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
- Help your child maintain a healthy weight by providing proper foods and encouraging regular exercise.
Any questions or suggestions:
e-mail 
author at this address.
© Copyright May 2000 by Ken Jones RN BS.
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