Child health screening must include cholesterol, HIV & depression: American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently published a series of guidelines in the journal Pediatrics recommending that kids between the ages of 9 and 21 be screened for high cholesterol, HIV, and depression. Recent studies indicate that some of the more common health concerns that adults experience start in childhood.

A report by the United Press International states that the association's goal is to catch any medical concerns as early as possible. This is done in the hopes that there is no need for additional treatments or medications when the child grows older.

One of the recommended preventive tests is designed to detect high blood or cholesterol levels. According to Today, this is due to a growing concern of obesity occurring in children.

Atherosclerosis is a condition where a fatty substance develops in the arteries, increasing the likelihood of a heart attack, stroke, and similar heart-related issues. The condition can be detected while still young.

Screening the children can reveal if the parents are also at risk.

"It is a way to not just focus on children but the whole family," Dr. Stephen Daniels said. Daniels is the University of Colorado Department of Pediatrics chair and spokesperson for the American Heart Association.

In the case of newborns, the association recommends screening them for congenital heart disease before they are released from the hospital. Once they reach 15-30 months of age, infants should be sent back to be screened for iron deficiencies or anemia.

Six-month-old infants up to kids 5 years of age are also advised to have fluoride varnish applied to the surface of their teeth. As dental cavities commonly develop in young children, Live Science says the fluoride varnish will help make their teeth stronger.

Teenagers between the ages of 16 and 18 years should also be screened for HIV infections. The tests are recommended for sexually active teens although doctors are suggested to be more assertive in asking to conduct the screening.

Doctors are also advised to screen 11- to 21-year-olds for depression as HealthDay reports indicate that suicide is one of the leading causes of death for teens.

"The incidence of depression starts to pick up in middle school and high school," Dr. Geoffrey Simon said. Simon is the chairman for the Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine.

According to the science publication, pediatricians are now also advised to use the CRAFFT questionnaire.  Short for Car, Alone, Relax, Forget, Friends and Trouble, this specialized examination contains yes and no tests which can detect if a teenager is using drugs or alcohol.