By Maria Jauhar, M.D.
As we celebrate kids on their day this week, let’s take a moment to think about our hopes for them, and what that calls us to provide.
The holiday dates back just over 20 years. It is celebrated traditionally on the first Sunday in August, and its theme is about spending more time and paying real attention to kids. Yet it was started by a charitable institution called KidsPeace that goes all the way back to 1882. The founding organization is dedicated to the emotional and physical health of children.
We Want Something Better for the Next Generation
No matter how privileged our own upbringing might have been – or how challenged – it’s a natural goal to want to pass life on a little better than we had it ourselves. The feeling that we are making progress in that direction can be one of life’s greatest satisfactions.
In the U.S., our progress as a society in making life better for kids can be viewed in the bluntest terms by how far we came in infants surviving birth and early childhood. The statistics, such as they are, from pioneer times are shocking, and the upward curve is so steep that we now take that progress for granted.
Much of the improvement has to do with insights into prenatal care and the health of the mother. Victory over many deadly childhood diseases paints the rest of that picture. Yet even today not all expectant mothers, infants, and children have access to this state-of-the-art care.
Taking Care of Our Own
Finding a primary care physician who is interested in the whole family is one way to make sure we are on the right track with our own kids’ health. It’s their job to stay abreast of the advancements in prevention and healing that present themselves, thankfully, at an ever-increasing rate.
Their planning and record keeping are an often-overlooked advantage of not “hopping around” to various doctors for various concerns. A family physician can be the greatest ally of your own awareness in caring for the well being of your kids.
Sharing These Blessings
Many people find it is good practice also to contribute in some way to giving access to healthcare for kids who are less fortunate than their own. It’s a way of giving life to our gratitude. When our own kids are cared for and thriving, that feeling is hard to beat. Yet one step more can be a new insight into satisfying that natural desire to pass things on a little bit better.
It’s not just in schools that our kids share circumstances and influences with those who may be less fortunate. It’s in our whole community, nation and society. That’s an external reason to give. The internal reasons are naturally more personal. Many folks say that expressing their gratitude by giving opens their lives up to an even higher level of happiness.
There are many children’s charities to choose from. The one that founded this holiday can be found at http://www.kidspeace.org.
Finally, if you are seeking a family medicine physician for your child, we’re here to help. To schedule an appointment, just call us at 912.897.6832 or use our online appointment request form.
