Pediatricians at Access Community Health Network’s ACCESS Hawthorne Family Health Center see hundreds of young patients annually, and they strive to address common chronic illnesses that are affecting patients at even younger ages.

“The overwhelming problems that I see in my patients aged birth to 18 years is childhood obesity, dental cavities, metabolic syndrome and asthma,” said Niru Mahidhara, M.D., one of ACCESS Hawthorne’s pediatricians. Dr. Mahidhara has worked at ACCESS for nearly three years, and she says it is rewarding to work in the community.

Preventive care and regular appointments are crucial in helping children live healthier lives and achieve optimal health outcomes.

“We all know that childhood obesity is a growing and rampant problem in America,” said Hazel Galicia, M.D., another ACCESS Hawthorne pediatrician. “At ACCESS Hawthorne, childhood obesity is a major concern, and there are an alarmingly high percentage of our pediatric patients who are obese. Several of these patients are already starting to develop chronic medical problems associated with obesity such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.”

As some local school children prepare for a summer off, and others prepare for returning to school, the required annual school physicals are very important, particularly in an environment of fast food and low levels of exercise. These routine physicals are truly critical to ensure that children stay healthy, stay in school, and avoid unnecessary sick days to get the education they deserve.

To help meet the needs of the community, ACCESS Hawthorne is hosting a Spring Family Health Fair this Saturday, May 18, at ACCESS Hawthorne Family Health Center, 2307 S. Cicero Ave., from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. There will also be benefits specialists on hand to enroll new patients into CountyCare and AllKids. Parents are advised to bring immunization records and medical cards. For more information, call 773.523.1000.