Primary care
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Pediatric hypertension is becoming of increasing concern as the incidence rate increases alongside pediatric obesity. Practitioners need to be aware of the screening recommendations for early recognition and management of this disorder. ⋯ Further work-up to rule out secondary causes of pediatric hypertension should also be considered in any child with stage 2 hypertension and in those with persistently elevated blood pressures. Early recognition and management are key to not only preventing present complications but also future cardiovascular disease in adulthood.
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Childhood obesity is a pathologic process with multifactorial causes. The reasons range widely. Obesity leads to chronic health conditions, increasing morbidity. ⋯ Medications and bariatric surgery may have a role in certain severe cases. Community and policy changes concerning food and physical activities may facilitate practical strategies against the increasing obesity epidemic. It will help families and health care systems tackle childhood obesity effectively.