What Parents Should Do To Keep Children Healthy

Immunize your children

Immunizations, also known as vaccinations or "baby shots," can protect your child from many serious diseases. Parents should make sure that their children are up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations:

• Your child needs vaccines as they grow! 2025 Recommended Immunizations for Birth Through 6 Years Old
• Older children and teens need vaccines too! 2025 Recommended Immunizations for Children 7–18 Years Old

Parents should ask their children’s pediatricians about vaccinations at each visit.

Children without doctors or children who are uninsured can be vaccinated at St. Joseph Center for Health and Human Services. Older children can also be immunized at school through Vaccinate Before You Graduate.

Protect them from environmental lead

Lead poisoned children are likely to suffer life-long consequences. Fortunately, parents can take actions to protect children from lead poisoning.

Set a healthy example

• Be active and eat a healthy diet. Eat fruits and vegetables everyday and limit fat, sugar and sugar sweetened beverages.
• If you smoke, quit. Even if you don't, take steps to keep your children from starting.

Make sure your child has developmental screenings

• If your child is an infant or toddler, talk to your child’s doctor about developmental screening
• If your child is 3 – 5 years old, find out where to get screened by your school district’s Child Outreach program.