Kids and Health Care: Common Childhood Medical Issues Introduction

A basic fact of having kids is that they get sick and hurt...a lot. Usually, their injuries and illnesses are not life-threatening -- but are experiences that prepare them for living long lives as adults.

Still, as a parent or guardian, you are going to spend more time in doctors' offices and emergency rooms than people who don't have kids. And, if you have more than one, the health issues often seem to increase geometrically.

In this chapter, we'll take a quick look at some of the most common health issues that kids face -- and some simple things you can do to manage them well. The best advice boils down to knowing a little about how doctors and health plans deal with common kids' problems, which in turn, can help you make informed decisions.