Many things we need can wait. The child cannot. Now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made, his mind is being developed. To him we cannot say tomorrow, his name is today. Children are vital to the nation’s present and its future. Healthy children are more likely to become healthy adults. The earlier a child's health needs are identified and met, the better it is for the child and family. It is important to read and understand each child's complete health record since existing health problems are interrelated with screening and exam results. When health conditions are identified and treated early, the impact of many disabilities can be reduced. Children have begun to be recognized not only for who they are today but for their future roles in creating families, community, society and shaping the future of nation. Children's Health, the Nation's Wealth: Health status of rural school children in central India provides a detailed examination of the information about children's health that is needed to help policy makers and program providers at the national, state, and local levels in order to improve children's health and, thus, the health of future generation.