USA: +1(669)289-8683 
Sign in
Stateof America’s Children
6
Running Head: State of America’s Children
State of America’s Children
Latoya Waters
AUO
INSTRUCTOR MOORE
07/17/2013
ABSTRACT
Child health is considered as a major indicator of economic development and has great implications for economic success and health in adulthood. It is important to consider parental investment behavior while analyzing child health outcomes since disparities in children’s health may originate from differences in health inputs and behaviors. This study investigates determinants of parental investment in child health and explores the relationship between socioeconomic status, child health and health care expenditures, using the 2005 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) in Taiwan. Firstly, we estimate determinants of parental investment in child health, using probity models. Secondly, we explore the relationship between child health outcomes and socioeconomic variables, suing ordered probity and probit models. Lastly, we study child healthcare expenditures, using probity and least squares models. Various variables including parental education, family structure, income, and ethnicity affect parental investment in child health. For instance, higher levels of parental educational attainment are associated with a higher level of investment in child health in terms of wearing seatbelts, seeking dental checkup, taking preventive services, having breakfast regularly, and less exposure to secondhand smoking. Children living with married parents are more likely to brush teeth daily and have regular dental checkup. Children born to foreigners are more likely to wear seat belts and helmets. As for child health and health service utilizations, children living with married parents have better self-reported health. Children born to foreigners are more likely to use emergency and inpatient care but less likely to use dental care. Children living in households with lower incomes are more likely to use inpatient care; however, children living in middle and higher income households are more likely to use outpatient services. Also, maternal education has positive effect on the probability of utilizing outpatient services. Conditional on positive service use, children living in higher income families incur higher out-of-pocket expenditures on outpatient services. Children are also found to have higher out-of-pocket expenditures on both inpatient and outpatient services if their fathers are from offshore islands. Our estimation results show that socioeconomic status play a significant role in explaining parental investment, child health outcomes and medical care expenditures in Taiwan(Child Health, 2007). As in past years, many of the top 10 health concerns relate to health behaviors for children and teens: exercise, childhood obesity, smoking and tobacco use, drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy and bullying. Top health concerns this year also include stress, internet safety and child abuse and neglect. Not enough exercise‟ is new to the top of the list of biggest child health problems, as measured in the Poll. From 2007 to 2011, childhood obesity, drug abuse and smoking have consistently been rated as the top 3 health problems for kids from the perspective of adults (not just parents) across the United States. This year, other child health concerns rated as a “big problem” include: sexing (19%), driving accidents (18%), sexually transmitted infections (17%), school violence (16%), unsafe neighborhoods (16%), attention deficit disorder (15%), chemicals in the environment (15%), depression (14%), suicide (13%), racial inequality (13%), autism (13%), gun related injuries (11%), hunger (9%) and food allergies (6%).The social determinants that influence maternal health also affect pregnancy outcomes and infant health. Racial and ethnic disparities in infant mortality exist, particularly for African American infants. Child health status varies by both race and ethnicity, as well as by family income and related factors, including educational attainment among household members and health insurance coverage. The cognitive and physical development of infants and children is influenced by the health, nutrition, and behaviors of their mothers during pregnancy and early childhood. Breast milk is widely acknowledged to be the most complete form of nutrition for most infants, with a range of benefits for their health, growth, immunity, and development. Furthermore, children reared in safe and nurturing families and neighborhoods, free from maltreatment and other social adversities, are more likely to have better outcomes as adults. It is rare for children to become seriously ill with no warning. Based on your child’s symptoms, you should usually contact your child’s pediatrician for advice. Timely treatment of symptoms can prevent an illness from getting worse or turning into an emergency. A true emergency is when you believe a severe injury or illness is threatening your child’s life or may cause permanent harm. In these cases, a child needs emergency medical treatment immediately. Discuss with your child’s pediatrician in advance what you should do in case of a true emergency. The use of vaccines has led to major improvements in child health over a relatively short period. Many of the infectious illnesses you or your parents had as children, from chickenpox to polio to measles, no longer affect most children today. Children’s health includes the study of possible environmental causes of children’s illnesses and disorders, as well as the prevention and treatment of environmentally mediated diseases in children and infants. Children are highly vulnerable to the negative health consequences associated with many environmental exposures. Children receive proportionately larger doses of environmental toxicants than adults, and the fact that their organs and tissues are rapidly developing makes them particularly susceptible to chemical insults. Research in children’s health looks at the effects of air pollution on respiratory diseases such as allergies and asthma, the impact of lead, mercury, and other environmental contaminants on cognitive development and behavior, and the influence of prenatal and early life exposures on growth and development(Healthy Children, 2011). International consensus supports a rights-based approach to address children’s health and wellbeing, given the importance links between early childhood living and its impact on future human development. Child health and well being can be measured through various indicators – including birth weight, life expectancy, and infant mortality rates (IMR), for instance – which can also reflect the healthy and well being of communities. As such, statistics about the health of children play an important role in indicating the health of a society – and its future health and prospects. Investing in the health and wellbeing of children is a sustainable way of addressing human development in a manner that looks out for the needs, rights and wellbeing of future generations (Equity for Children, 2009). For recommendation we can develop and use intermediate measures to better assess the success of obesity prevention efforts. Their well-being determines the health of the next generation and can help predict future public health challenges for families, communities, and the health care system. The objectives of the Maternal, Infant, and Child Health topic area address a wide range of conditions, health behaviors, and health systems indicators that affect the health, wellness, and quality of life of women, children, and families.
Play is a cherished part of childhood that offers children important developmental benefits and parents the opportunity to fully engage with their children. However, multiple forces are interacting to effectively reduce many children’s ability to reap the benefits of play. As we strive to create the optimal developmental milieu for children, it remains imperative that play is included along with academic and social-enrichment opportunities and those safe environments are made available to all children. Additional research is needed to explore the appropriate balance of play, academic enrichment, and organized activities for children with different temperaments and social, emotional, intellectual, and environmental needs.
Reference
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Recommendations to improve preconception health and health care—United States: A report of the CDC/ATSDR Preconception Care Work Group and the Select Panel on Preconception Care. Atlanta: CDC; 2006. 23 p. (MMWR Recomm Rep. 2006;55[RR-06]).
2Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis: evaluation of benefits and risks and recommendations for state newborn screening programs. Atlanta: CDC; 2004. 37 p. (MMWR Recommen Reps. 2004;53[RR-13]).
3Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Identifying infants with hearing loss—United States, 1999–2007. Atlanta: CDC; 2010. (MMWR. 2010;59[8]:220-3).
