Children’s Health to Get Boost

CHILDREN’S health is about to get a $1.5 million boost through a MidCentral District Health Board plan just released for public comment.

Acting senior portfolio manager Joy Christison said the plan tackles the causes of ill health among the district’s 35,000 youngest peo- ple.

“Child health goes much further than simply taking an unwell child to the doctor.”

Poor housing, family breakdown, the wrong diet and not enough exercise are underlying health problems.

The plan calls on councils, schools, housing and community groups to help improve the basics for good health.

It also focuses on Maori and Pacific children and those from low- income families whose health is worse than the national aver- age.

Having paediatric specialists in the community is part of the plan.