The Years from Birth to Puberty

Abstract

Health implies the relative absence of pain and discomfort, and a continuous adaptation and adjustment to the environment to ensure optimal functioning (3). Each individual is responsible for his own health (11). Primary care must ensure easy access to services, continuity of care, and guidance through consultant services when and where indicated (1). Understanding family and community dynamics, as well as the development of man from the fertilization of the egg by the sperm to death, is an important basic concept in providing primary care. It enables the family physician to ensure improved continuity of care by predicting problems and trying to solve them often by changing behavior; it also makes his work fun and truly fascinating. A child cannot be responsible for his health, and many parents need help. Who is better placed to provide this help than the family physician?