MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH BRANCH

The Child Wellness Program provides technical assistance and resource information  on the following child health priorities:

Obesity

Rates of obesity have been increasing in Hawaii with the highest increases among  children and adolescents.  Children and adolescents who are overweight are more  likely to become adults who are overweight/obese, and suffer chronic health  (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea), and social consequences (e.g.,  stigma, low self-esteem).

The Maternal and Child Health Branch works together with partners in both the  public and private sectors to address population-based issues and for the  children at higher risk.  For more information:  www.cdc.gov, search for “childhood overweight”.

Dental

Children under the age of 8 years old in Hawaii suffer from some of the  worst oral health conditions (early childhood caries, dental caries, and  untreated dental decay) in the U.S.  The consequences of poor oral health  include physical pain, inability to concentrate on learning activities, and  poor self-esteem due to an unattractive appearance.

The Maternal and Child Health Branch collaborates with the Dental Health  Division and other stakeholders to reduce the rate of childhood dental caries, by ensuring that each child has access to a dentist for regular dental care.

Safe Sleep for Infants

Research shows that infants placed to sleep on their backs decreased the  incidence of healthy infants dying unexpectedly.  Safe sleep practices are  available in the “Back to Sleep” flyer (see www.kipchawaii.org).  The Safe Sleep Hawaii committee is committed to  decreasing the number of infant deaths through education, media campaigns, and  policy changes.

Pediatric Primary Care for the Uninsured

The Maternal and Child Health Branch oversees contracts and collaborates  with primary care health centers statewide to assure medical and dental  services for children who do not have insurance.  Applications for Med-Quest  insurance can be obtained by calling 211 or at www.coveringkids.com (Library of Forms).

 

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