Investing in Children and Children’s Health

Do health problems in childhood lead to problems as adults?
That was one of the topics discussed at the 95th Annual Meeting of the American Sociological Association this past Sunday, held in Washington, DC.

Sociologists have found that “major childhood health problems are associated with increased risk of developing diseases in adulthood” as reported in Yahoo news.

If major health problems as children lead to increased risks of chronic disease as adults, where should we focus our attention?

As a society, we have several options. We can wait till our children are adults, and then treat the symptoms of the chronic diseased conditions they have developed (the current model) or we can focus on maximizing the health potential of our children now and throughout life. (the chiropractic model)

According to the researchers who conducted the study, the study shows “the importance of an integrated healthcare policy that maximizes health through one’s entire life.”

Can you think of a form of healthcare that’s primary function is to maximize health through one’s entire life? How about a form of healthcare that does not rely on drugs or surgery in order to reach those goals?

A researcher involved in the study stated that, “investing in children and children’s health will ultimately benefit the health of elders” according to the article.

Is there a difference between preventing disease and maximizing health?

At what age should someone first be checked for subluxation?

Links
Yahoo News: Childhood Health Problems Linked to Disease in Adulthood
ASA: American Sociological Association