Children’s Health: Back to school

Did you know that 75% of a person’s brain capacity is developed between birth and age three? By age 5 a person brains is 90% developed. On average, babies grow ten inches in length and triples their weight in their first year of birth.   

It is important that infants and children receive special care for their health and development. A lack of attention to a child’s health can lead to serious problems in adolescence and adulthood. A report from the USDA show that 85% of children eat fewer than recommended servings of fruits and vegetables per day. That means that only 15% of American children are receiving all the vitamins and minerals they need for proper development. Also the CDC supports that 76% of children don’t exercise at all during the day, some studies support that 41% of children are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.  Parents have the responsibility to help their children receive proper health and nutrition so that they can grow and develop correctly. Another study found that 25% of toddlers eat French Fries on any given day, while nearly one-third skip vegetables all together. On top of that, cookies, hotdogs, and sugar-laden fruit juices rank among the Top 10 foods eaten by infants and toddlers in the United States.  Inadequate nutrient intakes can compromise bone growth, immune function, and overall physical and cognitive development. 

• Parents can follow a few simple guidelines to ensure that their infant and children are as healthy as possible.
• Make sure your child has adequate sleep. Children require 10-12 hours of sleep per day.
• Make sure your child is receiving adequate exercise. Childhood obesity is an increasing epidemic in the United States. Regular exercise and proper nutrition are essential to avoid obesity in childhood and adulthood.
• Make sure your child is receiving proper nutrition. A balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals will aid in your child’s proper growth and development. During childhood, vitamin D is essential for development of bones and teeth. Without it, dietary calcium and phosphorous—two key bone-building minerals—can’t be properly assimilated. 
• With vitamin D present, calcium and phosphorous absorption is increased by up to 40% and 80%, respectively.

Kids today are becoming more sedentary and not observing healthy nutrition practices. According to the AAP (American Association of Pediatrics), the average child spends 3 or more hours per day in front of the TV, and an additional 2.5 hours in front of other screens (computer or video games) that’s a total of 5.5 hours in front of screens rather than living active.

• Regular exercise help children:
• Build healthy bones, joints and muscles
• Sleep better
• Decrease the risks of type 2 diabetes
• Have a positive self image
• Feel less stressed

Parents can help their children by setting an example and being active themselves. Families can be active together such as family walks, biking, and outdoor activities.