November marks National Children’s Month in the Philippines—a time to put the health and well-being of the nation’s youth in the spotlight.
Baguio Chronicle’s Health Matters podcast, hosted by Doc Tong and Manang Lucy, welcomed Dr. Leanith Agustin Haya, a pediatrician and neuro-development specialist, to discuss the diverse health needs of children, with a focus on nutrition, mental health, developmental milestones, and screen time management.
This article brings you the essential points from their discussion, including practical advice for parents, caregivers, and educators.
Community responsibility in child health
Dr. Haya emphasizes the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” underlining that ensuring children’s health and wellness extends beyond individual family units. National Children’s Month is a reminder that everyone in the community has a role in nurturing young ones. Children’s needs are multifaceted, encompassing their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
The takeaway: Raising healthy children is a community effort. Parents, teachers, and community members all contribute to the holistic development of young people.
The role of nutrition—underweight vs. overweight children
A major point discussed in the podcast is the dual issue of malnutrition—both underweight and overweight cases—which is becoming increasingly common among Filipino children.
Many parents mistakenly equate a chubby child with a healthy one, unaware that both extremes of the weight spectrum pose health risks. Dr. Haya notes that while underweight children are visibly at risk, overweight children also face long-term health issues, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, conditions that used to be adult-only concerns.
To address this, healthcare providers use guidelines like the “Pinggang Pinoy,” a visual tool illustrating balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains. Dr. Haya urges parents to model healthy eating habits, as children learn and adapt behaviors from their primary caregivers.
The takeaway: Healthy eating is about balance, not size. Parents should encourage nutritious food choices by setting a good example and integrating colorful, diverse foods into family meals.
Mental health in pediatric care
The podcast stresses the importance of mental health for children—a subject once thought of as an adult concern. Today, pediatric clinics like those at Baguio General Hospital offer comprehensive mental health services which cover a range of issues—from behavioral shifts to early signs of depression.
Signs that may indicate a child needs mental health support include persistent sadness, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed. These shifts can be particularly tricky to interpret in teenagers, who naturally crave privacy.
Dr. Haya encourages parents to remain observant and provide open lines of communication, especially during adolescence, a period often marked by emotional and social challenges.
The takeaway: Parents should monitor their children’s behavioral changes and be proactive in seeking mental health support if needed. Regular check-ins, even casual ones, can help children feel safe opening up about what they’re going through.
Developmental milestones—red flags for parents
Developmental delays are another area Dr. Haya sheds light on, given the rising number of children with special needs. Key developmental milestones—such as movement skills by one year, walking by 18 months, and verbal communication by age four—serve as markers for typical child development.
If a child misses these benchmarks, Dr. Haya advises seeking a developmental evaluation for your child. Identifying challenges early on allows for timely interventions that help children realize their potential.
Dr. Haya also highlights the importance of embracing children’s unique abilities, regardless of developmental delays. “Every child is a gift,” she noted, urging parents to focus on their children’s strengths.
The takeaway: Developmental red flags should prompt timely assessments. Every child has unique strengths, and early interventions can significantly improve outcomes.
The impact of screen time on child development
One of the most pressing topics Dr. Haya discusses is screen time—a concern for many parents today.
Excessive screen use, especially in young children, can delay developmental stimulation. For children under two, screen time should be limited to video calls, if at all, as infants and toddlers benefit more from real-world interactions that stimulate their senses and cognitive abilities.
For older children, screen time should be moderated, with adults guiding them through content and interacting with them. Dr. Haya emphasizes that screen time should never replace valuable learning experiences, such as play, which fosters self-regulation and social skills. Excessive reliance on digital devices, she warns, can hinder a child’s ability to focus and manage their emotions independently.
The takeaway: Parents should limit screen time and actively engage with children during their use of digital devices. Real-world activities and interactions remain essential for healthy development.
Resources for parents and caregivers in Baguio City
For parents in Baguio City, the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center provides a full spectrum of pediatric specialists, including those into mental and developmental health. There are also regional adolescent centers where parents can consult about age-specific issues, from physical changes to emotional well-being.
Dr. Haya encourages parents to leverage these resources, which offer support tailored to local needs and challenges.
The takeaway: Access to local healthcare resources empowers parents to address their children’s needs effectively, using expertise available within the community.
Taking a proactive approach to children’s health
The podcast concludes with a reminder for parents to prioritize preventive health measures and wellness. In pediatric care, a proactive approach—one that includes regular check-ups, balanced nutrition, mental health monitoring, and screen time management—can make a significant difference in a child’s overall development.
Dr. Haya urges parents not to hesitate in raising any concerns with healthcare providers, no matter how minor they may seem, as early intervention is key.
Ultimately, National Children’s Month serves as an important reminder of the collective role society plays in nurturing its youngest members. With active involvement, informed choices, and access to resources, parents and caregivers in Baguio City and beyond can support a healthy and balanced future for the next generation.
Here’s a summary of practical steps parents and caregivers can use as a guide:
- Nutrition: Follow a balanced approach usi
ng the Pinggang Pinoy guidelines.
- Mental Health: Be observant of behavioral changes in your child and don’t hesitate to seek support if needed.
- Developmental Milestones: Track key milestones and consult specialists if there are delays.
- Screen Time: Limit and supervise screen time to ensure healthy developmental interactions.
- Community Resources: Take advantage of local pediatric and mental health services available in Baguio City.
These insights from Health Matters provide a valuable blueprint for addressing children’s health and wellness issues, because every child deserves the best start in life.
