National Children’s Health Day

Oct 5

2 min read

Worldwide 1.15 billion children do not have access to proper healthcare, physical or mental.

This is why it is so important to raise awareness of children's health, both physically and mentally, for all children young and old.

Where it began

President Calvin Coolidge created National Child Health Day to raise awareness to children's needs during the 20th century, as before this, children's health was taken less into consideration.

"The health of the child is the power of the nation"

The slogan was made to reflect that the investment into children's wellbeing, physical and emotional, benefits the entire society. Child health awareness day is about making sure children have access to all the healthcare they need to survive and thrive.

Why it matters for children with long-term conditions

President Calvin Coolidge created National Child Health Day to raise awareness to children's needs during the 20th century, as before this, children's health was taken less into consideration.

In the UK, 1 in 8 children have a long term illness, disability, or impairment.

For children who have disabilities or other conditions, this is an especially important day to raise awareness that not all children are well and receiving the best healthcare is vital to improve their quality of life.

Children with long term illnesses, disabilities, or conditions can live very different lives to other children, often feeling very isolated, not able to be in full time education, and not able to participate in 'normal' childhood activities or having altered developmental milestones. These children need more help and it is so important they have access to the correct medical support.

How you can raise awareness

There are so many different ways to raise awareness. The important thing is to spend time with children in your life and try to have a positive impact on their life. This can look like anything from chatting to your children to joining the schools committee to help improve their policies around children.

Go outside!
Go for a walk
Spend time playing: make potions, mud pies or dens.
Turn off screens in the house and play games instead, card, board, and imaginary games
Cooking dinner or any food
Read books with them to increase their literacy confidence