For advice about children's health and illness, please see below "Patient links - managing minor illnesses/symptoms", or visit this website: https://what0-18.nhs.uk
Childrens' health checks
The surgery offers routine child development checks to babies at approximately 6 weeks old. Further routine development checks should take place as below:
| when... | by... | | Birth | Doctor (in hospital usually) | | 6 weeks | Doctor in surgery by appointment combined with postnatal care | | 8 months | Health visitor in child clinic | | 21 months | Health visitor in child clinic | | 39 months | Health visitor in child clinic |
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Health visitors can provide support to all families with children under the age of 5years.
They can be contacted on:
01582 715 675 for Harpenden
01582 833546 for Wheathampsted.
Childrens' family centres can provide support for those with young families:
https://www.hertsfamilycentres.org/family-centres.aspx
Children' immunisations
A lot of infectious diseases are preventable by adequate immunisation and the surgery provides the full range of vaccines for childr
en.
Invitations for routine childhood vaccinations are sent to you by the health authority. Please contact the surgery to make an appointment with the practice nurse when you have received your letter. Please contact the surgery or health visitor to discuss any concerns you may have about vaccinations.
The schedule of vaccinations for children is below:
| 2, 3 and 4 months | Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, inactivated, polio, Hib, Men C and pneumococcal | | 12 - 15 months | MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), Hib, Men C and pneumococcal | | 3 - 5 years | Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, polio, MMR | | 13 - 18 years | Diphtheria, tetanus, polio (usually offered at school) |
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Teenage health
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Teenage years can be a difficult time for all involved. The following links cover information on conditions that teenagers might be particularly interested in such as acne, contraception and sensible drinking. Mental health and healthy living are also covered.
http://patient.info/health/teenage-health-1327
For teen girls health:
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/teengirls/Pages/teengirlshome.aspx
For teen boys health:
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/teenboys/Pages/Teenboyshome.aspx
See here for a COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF LOCAL HELP AND RESOURCES available for teens and young people in need of support - covers mental health, physical and sexual health and support for parents:
Available local help for young people (green boxes include updated services during Coronavirus)
Teenage mental health
We know that it can be difficult to talk to people when you're having difficulties with your mental health. Doc Ready helps you get ready for the first time you visit a doctor to discuss your mental health. Please click on the link below:
http://www.docready.org/#/home
Other useful resources:
Childrens' wellbeing practitioners: 01992 556405/ 0300 123 4043
Youthtalk counselling 01727 868684
MIND- helpline info for Children and young people
https://kooth.com
http://www.youthtalk.org.uk
https://www.elefriends.org.uk/
https://www.headspace.com
https://theolliefoundation.org/ - includes details of local training courses for young people
Apps for children and young people
Smiling Mind
Big White Wall
Calm
BlueIce
Eating disorders
Are you worried you have an eating disorder? Or do you know you have one? Or are you worried someone you know may have one?
People of all ages, gender, ethnic groups and backgrounds can be affected by eating disorders. make sure you are aware of the signs. For more information:
https://www.b-eat.co.uk/about-eating-disorders
Information for Parents
http://www.priorygroup.com/docs/default-source/blog-pdf's/a-parent's-guide---eating-disorders-in-young-people.pdf?sfvrsn=2
Additional help for young people and families
Hertfordshire County council provide information and support here: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/familiesfirst
Support during school holidays
Fit Fed & Read school holiday activity programmes operate out of Fire Stations across Hertfordshire during the school Easter and Summer holidays. They provide an activity programme ‐ including support with literacy ‐ in Hertfordshire’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods, with a nutritious meal every day, free of charge.
If you have a child aged between 7-12 years who is eligible for school meals, please contact the team here:
https://sportinherts.org.uk/sport-for-social-change/fit-fed-read/