Injuries, rather than infections, cause the majority of deaths in childhood and adolescence. Illness and injury prevention must be a prominent and recurrent theme during health maintenance and other health care visits. Unfortunately, not all injury is unintentional. Some are self-inflicted and some intentionally caused by others. Motor vehicle accidents, homicide and suicide are the three leading causes of death for adolescents.
Abuse also occurs at all ages.
Learning Objectives Summarize the basic types of illness and injury prevention routinely provided to different ages. List the immunizations currently recommended from birth through adolescence including adverse side effects and contraindications of each. Provide examples of anticipatory guidance aimed at prevention for different ages. Recognize how risk of illness and injury change during growth and development. Outline the physician's role in the prevention of sports injuries.