Literate and healthy

I want to thank Harold Sellars for highlighting the critical importance and substantial economic benefit of investing in the early development of children ("The payoff from early education," Oct. 21 Point of View article).

As a family physician, I've seen the dramatic difference in student achievement between children who grow up with highly engaged parents and books in their home and those who don't.

That's why I joined forces with hundreds of doctors and nurses in North Carolina who promote early literacy and school readiness through the nationwide Reach Out and Read program. At each well-child check between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, we give a brand-new book to our patients and speak with parents about the importance of reading aloud every day.

Research shows that this simple, low-cost intervention works. Families read together more often, and children enter kindergarten with a six-month developmental edge.

As a nation, we have limited resources. It is more important than ever that we invest in what works. There's no greater return on investment than the energy and dollars we dedicate to the healthy development of young children.

Cristy Page, M.D.

Associate Residency Director

UNC Family Medicine Center

Chapel Hill