Good nutrition is essential to
physical growth and development in early childhood. Children require a variety
of healthy foods to fulfill their nutrient needs. In contrast, to the benefits
of good nutrition, a poor diet can cause multiple problems in young children. Children
who have poor diets, whether because of lack of food or because of eating
habits that lead to inadequate intake of nutrients are prone to significant
short and long-term health complications. (Fleck)
Children need calories to grow. In
general, toddlers and preschoolers need 1000-1,800 calories per day and
school-age children require 1,200 to 2,600, depending on their age and gender.
(Martinez) These calories should come from a variety of foods from each food
group and include fruits, vegetable, whole grains, dairy and lean protein. Fast
foods, soda, candy and processed foods should be limited.
Children need the same nutrients as
adults, but in smaller amounts. Some nutrients are very important for physical
growth. Protein helps children to develop and maintain strong muscles. Beef,
poultry, fish, beans, milk and nuts are excellent sources. Calcium helps build
strong bones and keep them healthy. Milk, cheese and yogurt are good sources of
calcium. Children also need
carbohydrates and B vitamins from whole grains for energy. Vitamins and minerals are needed for healthy
immunity, skin, hair, and internal organ function. (Martinez)
Childhood obesity is a growing
problem that can result from poor nutrition. The rate of childhood obesity in
America has tripled over the past thirty years. One in five U.S. children is
obese causing a major problem among American children. Several interacting
factors lead to obesity including genetic susceptibility, behavior (diet and
amount of physical activity), and the environment (home, school, and
community). (NEA) The Children’s Defense
Fund notes children in families with insufficient access to nutritious foods
are much more likely to be obese in early childhood. (Fleck) This is the result
of high calorie intake and an emphasis on foods that are high in fat, sugar and
sodium. Regular consumption of fast food compounds this problem. Obesity in
early childhood can lead to a variety of health problems including diabetes,
high blood pressure and cancer. It can also result in a negative self-image,
eating disorders, a decreased quality of life and other psychosocial problems
that are extremely difficult to turn around. (Fleck)
In comparison to the childhood obesity
epidemic in America, I choose to research childhood nutrition in Vietnam. I was
saddened to learn that according to UNICEFF, 25 percent of Vietnamese children
under age 5 are underweight. (Diem 2013) A limited supply of nourishing foods
and a general lack of nutritional knowledge among the Vietnamese people
(especially in rural area) are the primary reasons for this problem. Three
groups working to improve childhood nutritional health in Vietnam are The
Abbott Fund, AmeriCares and the Giao Diem Humanitarian Foundation. Together
they have reached 23,000 preschool students in rural villages, successfully
reducing the average malnutrition among these children to less than 20 percent.
(Deim, 2013)
I chose to research early childhood
nutrition because good nutrition is extremely important to me. My mother was a
registered nurse and fed my eight siblings and me a very healthy diet. I
remember in the early 1970’s, she started a neighborhood co-op and educated
anyone who was interested on the benefits of consuming a variety of fresh
fruits and vegetables. I have been teaching for almost thirty years and have
unfortunately witnessed the negative effects of the childhood obesity epidemic
in America. I strive to teach my current preschoolers about good habits and
healthy eating. We share healthy organic meals together every day. I am a
member of our local childcare resource and referral provider group and plan to
make early childhood nutrition a topic for our conference in September of this
year.
References
Diem G. Vietnam Nutrition Project, 2013
Retrieved from
Fleck A. Children With Poor Nutrition, Retrieved
from Demand Media
Martinez E. Influence
of Nutrition on Physical Development In Early Childhood,
Retrieved from Demand Media
National Education Association -Facts About Child Nutrition.
Retrieved from
http://www.nea.org/home/39282.htm
Sources:
Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC)
Hey Christine,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I really enjoyed reading your post. Children do need calories to grow. It is important for children to variety foods from the food group. Many children don't get enough nutrients that they need to grow. Many children don't drink enough water. Obesity is a major problem among our young children. Obesity is the number leading problem because children are not exercising and not eating healthy.
Christine,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I also am pro-active regarding childhood obesity in western cultures. Fast food is so convenient but such an obvious contributor. I posted an article about childhood obesity on my blog last class, and included a photo of our center's efforts for parent awareness on portion control. Our nutritionist put together a great display in the lobby the day after I researched obesity for my blog
Christine,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post! I agree nutrition is essential to physical growth and development in early childhood. Introducing new food to children when they are young is a great way to get them to eat healthy. Thankful many schools and centers are required to offer a variety of food and a food in each food group. Sometimes this is the only time children experience eating fruits and veggies! Great Post!