ABSTRACT
Preventive health care is an essential element of well-being. Receiving preventive health care during the first years of life has been shown to provide children with both immediate and long-term benefits. For example, children who receive regular care and preventive services are likely to have better health and developmental outcomes. Recent brain research that has been conducted on young infants and children demonstrates that the early period of life is one in which there is a tremendous potential for rapid neurological development and learning (Illig, 1998; Shore, 1997; National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, 2000). Ensuring young children's health and well-being through preventive health care supports and fosters this rapid growth, whereas neglecting early health care can impede brain development. In addition, by receiving regular health care, children are taught the importance ofpracticing preventive care throughout their lives. Immunizations for children are as important to
well-being as cholesterol screening, PAP smears, and mammograms are for adults. Parents, health professionals, and other caregivers need to make certain that children are taught the importance of not only seeking health care when they are sick, but also using health services to prevent illness and disease.
