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Dr. Josie Eusebio, Pedia - Child Development Expert
NOV
02

Does your child have a weak immunity foundation?

Posted by Dr. Josie Eusebio | November 02, 2009 | 3:04 PM
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As a child development expert, I must stress that a child’s health has an effect on his total development. You see, a physically healthy child would most likely be emotionally healthy as well. A sickly child, meanwhile, compromises his cognitive as well as social skills. For example, when he often gets sick, he will have frequent absences from school that may affect his learning. His ability to socialize with other kids may also suffer because he is often confined in his bedroom or in a hospital.

Signs of a weak immunity foundation

Now the question is: does your child suffer from a weak immunity foundation? Here are a few clues.

  • He experiences frequent infections (ear, fungal, sinusitis, etc.) in a year
  • His growth and weight are not normal for his age
  • He needs intravenous antibiotics to fight infections

If your child shows these signs, bring him to a doctor immediately. His immunity foundation may be compromised. He may be suffering from immunodeficiency.

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Kinds of immunodeficiency

There are two kinds of immunodeficiency: primary immunodeficiency and secondary immunodeficiency. Primary immunodeficiency is a genetic condition where the child is born with a very weak immunity foundation. Secondary immunodeficiency or acquired immunodeficiency is caused by external factors such as malnutrition or exposure to radiation.

Children generally have a weaker immunity foundation compared to adults because it is not yet fully developed. And, as I’ve said, infections and diseases could affect your child’s ability to live life fully. That’s why it is important for moms like you to boost their immunity foundation. Give them good nutrition, enough exercise, ample rest, and the right vitamins to help protect them.



Dr. Josie Eusebio
Pedia - Child Development Expert

  • Assistant Professor, College of Medicine, UERMMMC
  • Member, Board of Directors, Philippine Association for the Gifted
  • Member, Board of Trustees, Philippine Pediatric Society
  • Vice-President, Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
  • Child Development Consultant:
    • UERMMMC
    • National Children's Hospital
    • St. Luke's Medical Center
    • Quezon City General Hospital
    • East Avenue Medical Center

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Comments (4)

Posted by joan jimenez  |  December 07, 2009  |  4:49 AM

hi! i have a question. i have a 3 y.o son and a working mom, as we all know at that age children likes to play so much and sometimes they tend to be picky when it comes to food. when my son was a little younger, he likes to eat fish and veggies, but now he seldom eats veggies and fish and sometimes he doesn't like chicken too, he eats when there's hotdogs and he likes eating fast foods. i give him multi vitamins to boosts his appetite but there are times that he is really so picky. can you pleas
Posted by Dr. Josie Eusebio  |  December 11, 2009  |  5:39 PM

Dear Joan, Your son is just like most kids at this age who tend to be choosy or picky. It is actually a developmental stage in children wherein they tend to insist on what they want. My advice is that the household members should serve as role models to him when it comes to eating the right kind of food so much so that the right kind of foods should be the ones that are served during meals. In other words, he shouldn't be given other food options like hotdogs or fast foods. In case that he insists, then you have to compromise, meaning that he can only eat the hotdog or burger after he finishes a portion of the chicken or the veggie that was served on the dining table.
Posted by aleta manapat-rosaldo  |  December 21, 2009  |  2:33 PM

Hi..i have a 2yrs and 9mos old daughter, she is so picky with foods. In fact she just started eating rice 2-3 months ago but it is very limited. I gave her an appetite stimulant vitamins but i dont know if its efffective.. And at her age, she stil's consume 4-5 bottles of milk. She eats some veggies and fish though.. What should i do with her diet?THanks!
Posted by Dr. Josie Eusebio  |  January 11, 2010  |  2:14 PM

Aleta, your daughter is exhibiting a behavior which is actually a normal stage in the development of children. What you can do is to try to present the regular table food at the table and try to avoid giving her other options. Moreover, try to reduce the milk intake to at least 2x/day, (during breakfast and before going to bed at night). Providing milk in between meals will not make her hungry anymore. Very importantly, be a good role model to her. Show her that you are eating the well balanced

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