Parents today actively seek a better approach to managing the illnesses of childhood, and many have turned to medical practices that look beyond the external symptoms of disease. This approach is no longer viewed as being out of the mainstream, and has become an important part of childhood illness prevention and treatment. The same principles benefiting adults are being used to help children by holistic pediatric doctors in Boulder, Colorado.
Although it has sometimes been described as a remnant of 1960s counterculture views, holistic medicine is legitimate. It does not advocate disregarding modern medical advances, but attempts to go beyond standard diagnosis and drug administration. This approach views each person as a unified organism responding not only to medication, but also to good nutrition, balanced physical activity, a positive mental and spiritual attitude, and a healthier overall lifestyle.
For an adult with high blood pressure, that additional step means making changes in daily activity patterns and diet, as well as taking medications. For children, it can mean that a physician might prescribe medicine to eliminate the worst symptoms and discomfort, but will also work closely with parents to discover and change the actual conditions or habits that help make those drugs necessary.
The accepted definition of a child is anyone under 17 years of age, even though development continues past age twenty. Over-the-counter remedies usually work reasonably well for adults, but are rarely as effective or safe for children. Most are not tested for that particular age group. The extra expense and complications related to drug-safety testing on minors are usually rejected in favor of warning labels.
Rather than relying solely on pharmaceuticals, a holistic physician acknowledges the ability of the human body to heal itself when given the chance. It may seem neglectful or illogical to deny instant relief of symptoms when a child is miserable, but when that is the exclusive method of treatment, healing periods can be extended unintentionally. In some instances, changes in behavior eliminate recurrence more effectively.
This type of integrative medicine also recognizes the effects of environmental toxins on very young children, and provides parents with information and tools to help eliminate sources in the home. In addition to accurately pinpointing why a child is having health problems, they may recommend changes such as buying furniture and bedding that has not been chemically treated, or providing children with less toxic toys.
A holistic pediatrician also stresses the importance of the relationship between parent and doctor, especially when communicating the individual circumstances that are directly linked to health issues. They emphasize developmental evaluations, vaccine education, periodic well-child checkups, and even obesity prevention and treatment. Allergies, food intolerance, nutritional training, and problems related to cognition and autism are also included.
When acute illness does strike, traditional treatment approaches using drugs or surgery is still often necessary, and can be a very good solution for difficult problems. For less serious or immediate health issues, many pediatric doctors find that education and greater personal responsibility regarding health habits can correct many issues over the longer term. Not only does this benefit children, but is ultimately less costly.
Although it has sometimes been described as a remnant of 1960s counterculture views, holistic medicine is legitimate. It does not advocate disregarding modern medical advances, but attempts to go beyond standard diagnosis and drug administration. This approach views each person as a unified organism responding not only to medication, but also to good nutrition, balanced physical activity, a positive mental and spiritual attitude, and a healthier overall lifestyle.
For an adult with high blood pressure, that additional step means making changes in daily activity patterns and diet, as well as taking medications. For children, it can mean that a physician might prescribe medicine to eliminate the worst symptoms and discomfort, but will also work closely with parents to discover and change the actual conditions or habits that help make those drugs necessary.
The accepted definition of a child is anyone under 17 years of age, even though development continues past age twenty. Over-the-counter remedies usually work reasonably well for adults, but are rarely as effective or safe for children. Most are not tested for that particular age group. The extra expense and complications related to drug-safety testing on minors are usually rejected in favor of warning labels.
Rather than relying solely on pharmaceuticals, a holistic physician acknowledges the ability of the human body to heal itself when given the chance. It may seem neglectful or illogical to deny instant relief of symptoms when a child is miserable, but when that is the exclusive method of treatment, healing periods can be extended unintentionally. In some instances, changes in behavior eliminate recurrence more effectively.
This type of integrative medicine also recognizes the effects of environmental toxins on very young children, and provides parents with information and tools to help eliminate sources in the home. In addition to accurately pinpointing why a child is having health problems, they may recommend changes such as buying furniture and bedding that has not been chemically treated, or providing children with less toxic toys.
A holistic pediatrician also stresses the importance of the relationship between parent and doctor, especially when communicating the individual circumstances that are directly linked to health issues. They emphasize developmental evaluations, vaccine education, periodic well-child checkups, and even obesity prevention and treatment. Allergies, food intolerance, nutritional training, and problems related to cognition and autism are also included.
When acute illness does strike, traditional treatment approaches using drugs or surgery is still often necessary, and can be a very good solution for difficult problems. For less serious or immediate health issues, many pediatric doctors find that education and greater personal responsibility regarding health habits can correct many issues over the longer term. Not only does this benefit children, but is ultimately less costly.
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