Pediatrician Group Wants To Screen Kids for Cholesterol, Depression, HIV

A group of pediatricians suggested that kids must go through health screening for cholesterol, depression and HIV. In the past, kids and parents alike didn't have to worry about health problems like the ones mentioned. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics is acknowledging the changes that are happening today.

In a report by US News, the organization recommended all children as young as nine years old must go through health screening that includes for cholesterol, depression and HIV tests. The recommendation for preventive health care is stated in their latest set of guidelines issued by the group's publication, Journal Pediatrics. The procedures are meant to help doctors to make tests to all kids from nine to eleven, even if they are not at risk for these certain diseases.

The author of the Pediatrics report, Dr. Geoffrey Simon, said that the guidelines will definitely help them identify health issues at an early age, so that it will be easier to lessen their chances of having a heart disease once they become adults. He added that they are not trying to single out obese kids; this must be done to all children as prevention for any major risk in the future.

If a child has high cholesterol, a treatment must be given right away by recommending lifestyle and diet changes. Medications should only be prescribed to kids if needed.

Parents must enforce this so that a major heart risk can be prevented. High cholesterol for kids, just like adults, does not necessarily mean they are overweight, these conditions are genetically acquired most of the time.

"It is important to identify those children because you also may identify parents who may be at even more immediate risk for heart disease," American Heart Association member and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado Dr. Stephen Daniels said. "It is a way to not just focus on children but the whole family," he added.

Meanwhile, the organization added that teenagers between 16 and 18 must be screen for HIV. Previous study showed that one out of four HIV cases is in people between the ages of 13 to 24. The result is very concerning that a screening procedure is being suggested by the doctors.

Dr. Lee Beers, medical director at Children's National Health System, said national surveys revealed that several adolescents are already sexually involved.

"They don't think long term," he added.