Every time you hear about a child dropping dead during gym class or an athletic event, it underscores the problem. Some heart defects are hard to spot and extremely dangerous. This also should bring to mind that there are other silent problems that could seriously harm your child. These tests could prevent tragedy.
Cholesterol: This isn’t an immediate threat, but it is a future one. Doctors have agreed that cholesterol screening should be started at age eleven. Your child may not need medication should the numbers be elevated, but there will be suggested changes in diet and exercise. This could prevent heart disease later on in life.
Concussion: Children who suffer a concussion may not follow the same path as an adult with a head injury. They may seem fine, go home and be dead by morning. If the child has had more than one concussion, the risk of death is greater.
There is a new test, called imPACT. This test checks to see if the brain is injured, how it is healing and information about treatment. If the injury is serious enough, it may mean that your child will have to skip sports likely to cause future head injuries or risk permanent damage and death.
Diabetes: Even fit children can develop diabetes. There are two types, and while the number of children with type two diabetes is growing, type one is a major threat. Type one has nothing to do with weight and everything to do with genetics. There are some symptoms, but only testing can provide an accurate diagnosis.
Diabetes can do a lot of damage. It is a cause for heart disease, kidney disease and blindness. Untreated, it could lead to sores that won’t heal and the amputation of limbs, usually in the feet and legs. Catching it early can help prevent or put off these outcomes.
Heart Tests: The most likely cause of a child or young adult dying during exercise or a sporting event is an undiagnosed heart problem. These children may have absolutely no signs that there is a problem. Cardiac screening can detect this abnormality and provide a way to prevent tragedy.
Tine Tests: It would be nice to think that tuberculosis is a disease of the past, but it isn’t. Not only that, there are some strains that are antibiotic resistant. An annual tine test can catch this problem before it gets out of hand. Most tests will come back negative, but it’s best not to take the risk.
Talk to your doctor about other tests that may be needed to protect your child. He or she knows your child’s medical history and can provide information to help you keep your child safe.