Don’t forget to have regular health checks

By Miranda Luby
CARDINIA Shire Council’s Maternal and Child Heath nurses are encouraging parents to book their 18-month and two-year-old children in for key health visits.
Parents are often diligent about the early checks but the length of time between recommended visits after 12 months mean they are easy to forget.
Maternal and Child Health Co-ordinator, Ann Graham said that these follow-up consultations were very important.
“We monitor the growth of the children, their development, nutrition and feeding, parenting support, safety, oral health, playgroup opportunities and immunisation status,” she said.
If any concerns are identified, children are referred to other health professionals and local community services in consultation with families.
“This is important because early intervention is often critical to improving health and well-being situations,” Ms Graham said.
Maternal and Child Health services are free to residents of Cardinia Shire and Centres are open at various times from Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.
For more information and appointments with Council’s Maternal and Child Health phone 5945 4250.