Bhubaneswar: Addressing the growing need for greater awareness around children’s health and development, Kanak News and Swasthya Sambad’s Swasthya Charcha recently hosted an engaging panel discussion focusing on paediatric health and the overall development of children.
The session brought together leading specialists from the Centre of Excellence in Paediatrics & Neonatology at Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneswar — Dr Janaki Ballava Pradhan, Senior Consultant – Paediatrics; Dr Abhilipsa Acharya, Consultant – Neonatology & Paediatrics; and Dr Subhrajit Parida, Consultant – Paediatrics.
The experts discussed the importance of looking at child healthcare from a holistic perspective, where physical growth goes hand in hand with cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social development. The panel highlighted how regular monitoring of a child’s growth and developmental milestones can help parents identify potential concerns at an early stage.
Key aspects of paediatric care, including nutrition, immunity, common childhood illnesses, physical activity and preventive healthcare, were also discussed during the session. The experts shared valuable insights on how parents can create healthy routines and provide children with the right environment for their overall growth.
The discussion also addressed some of the challenges faced by children in today’s changing lifestyle, including increased screen exposure, unhealthy eating habits and inadequate physical activity. The specialists emphasised the role of parents and caregivers in encouraging balanced nutrition, active lifestyles, healthy sleep patterns and positive emotional well-being.
Another important focus of the discussion was early identification and timely intervention. The experts stressed that understanding age-appropriate developmental milestones and seeking professional advice whenever concerns arise can make a significant difference in a child’s long-term health and development.
Through Swasthya Charcha, Kanak News and Swasthya Sambad brought together medical expertise and public awareness to encourage parents to take a proactive approach towards their children’s healthcare.
The session served as an important platform for parents and caregivers to understand that ensuring a child’s well-being is not merely about treating illness, but about nurturing every aspect of their development and helping them grow into healthy, confident and well-rounded individuals.
