To Encourage Kids' Health, Pediatricians Add Reading to
Essential Check-Up List National literacy program Reach Out and
Read reaches kids in a place where they are almost guaranteed to
visit: the doctor's office. Special correspondent John Merrow
meets a new breed of pediatrician -- part doctor, part teacher
-- who help parents share books with their children to improve
and encourage cognitive development. JEFFREY BROWN: And now, a
prescription for succeeding in school. It comes from
pediatricians making their patients' reading skills a part of
regular examinations. The NewsHour's special correspondent for
education, John Merrow, has the story. JOHN MERROW: Today,
2-year-old Shadman Uddin (ph) is here for his routine check up.
DR. CINDY OSMAN, Pediatrician, Bellevue Pediatric Clinic: Good
job. JOHN MERROW: His pediatrician, Dr. Cindy Osman, checks his
eyes, ears and heart, but that's not all. DR. CINDY OSMAN, So,
tell me what kinds of things he says these days. WOMAN: Juice,
water. DR. CINDY OSMAN: Great. Doe