One in Three New Zealand Parents Behind on Children’s Health Checks, Survey Finds

NEW ZEALAND: A recent survey conducted by health insurer nib New Zealand reveals concerning trends regarding children’s health check-ups in New Zealand. 

According to Rob McGrath, nib’s chief medical officer, it’s crucial for parents to stay vigilant about their children’s health: “Proactively getting the necessary health checks for your family ensures that potential illnesses are caught early on.”

Alarming Statistics

The survey of 1000 Kiwis highlights that a significant portion of parents are falling behind on their children’s regular health examinations. McGrath emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, “Catching health issues early means your children can get treatment, begin recovery and return to their normal life faster, while also reducing the risk that illnesses could become more serious for them in the future.”

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These findings raise concerns about potential impacts on children’s academic performance, with difficulties in reading or comprehension possibly going unnoticed by parents or teachers. McGrath pointed out, “If your child isn’t feeling well or has issues with eyesight or hearing, it can affect their focus at school, as well as their energy levels for other activities like sport, play, and simply being a kid.”

Lack of Awareness

A significant portion of parents, 43 percent, admitted they didn’t know which health checks their children needed, highlighting a lack of awareness regarding essential healthcare routines. McGrath stressed the importance of setting healthy examples, encouraging parents to demonstrate good hygiene practices and proactive healthcare approaches to their children.

Speaking to the NZ Herald, McGrath emphasized the importance of staying on top of children’s health: “Proactively getting the necessary health checks for your family ensures that potential illnesses are caught early on.” He stressed the need for proactive health checks to catch potential illnesses early, enabling faster treatment and reducing future health risks.

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Early Intervention

Encouraging parents to seek medical attention for new or worsening symptoms in their children early on, McGrath highlighted the importance of addressing health issues promptly to instill positive health habits in children. He explained, “Our little ones are still figuring out how to scan their bodies for health issues, let alone communicate them. We can’t solely rely on them to tell us when they’re unwell or having issues with things like their teeth, hearing or vision, so that’s where health checks come in.”

Underscoring the potential impact of health issues on children’s education and overall well-being, McGrath emphasized the importance of regular health checks in ensuring children can fully participate in school and other activities. He noted, “A simple eye or hearing check can give parents the peace of mind that their child is able to fully participate at school or in sport or signal an issue that may require treatment.”

The survey findings serve as a reminder of the importance of regular health check-ups for children and the role parents play in promoting and maintaining their children’s health and well-being. McGrath’s insights underscore the need for proactive healthcare practices to ensure the optimal health and development of Kiwi children.

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