Early Childhood Development Week: 2

       Public health contributes and impacts children's development all over the world.


 I chose nutrition/malnutrition
Nutrition/malnutrition              

                                                   

 




Early childhood is recognized as a critical time for 
     healthy growth and development.

The effect of nutrition on the brain begins before birth—with the nutrition of the mother. Malnutrition and the resulting negative effects on brain development during pregnancy and the first two years of life may be permanent and irreversible. 

 Breast-feeding appears to lead to higher IQ/cognitive development. Breast-feeding leads to fewer cases and less severe cases of diarrhea, ear infections, skin rashes, and bacterial meningitis.  

Adequate nutrition for children during early years is essential for good health and proper development.  
Studies show that nutrition has a connection to children's behavior and their ability to learn.  Life long good nutrition habits may lead to a healthier adult years. 

The relationship between nutrition and learning is important for people who care for children. 

Cognitive development is a term that covers human perception, thinking, and learning. 

Nutrition, genes, and environment are three major factors impacting cognitive development. 

Because there are many factors that impact learning, scientists cannot say, “If you eat this, you will be smarter.” 

However, the role of good nutrition in child development and learning is important. Nutrition during the early years of a child’s life is linked to performance in later years. 

"Many research studies focus on the relationships between breakfast and learning in school-age children; other researchers identified the importance of nutrition at earlier ages "(National Food Service Management Institute).

Malnutrition

Malnutrition results in decreased activity levels, decreased social interactions, decreased curiosity, and decreased cognitive functioning. 

                    

       

  



Iron is a necessary part of brain tissue. Nerve impulses move slower when iron deficiency is present. 

Iron deficiency during infancy may cause permanent damage to the child’s brain; however, too much iron can also cause problems. 

Iron deficiency during the first two years of a child’s life is associated with behavior changes and delayed psycho motor development. Enough, but not too much, is the key to appropriate iron intake. 

 Iodine deficiency during early years is associated with reduced cognition and achievement in school-age children. 

 Poorly nourished children have more problems fighting infections. Therefore, they may be sick more often, miss more school, and fail to keep up with classmates. 

School-age children who ate breakfast did better on performance tests than children with no breakfast. Similar and even more dramatic effects among infants and toddlers are expected if studies on breakfast and performance are completed ((National Food Service Management Institute).

"Good nutrition is the bedrock of child survival, health and development. Well-nourished children are better able to grow and learn, to participate in and contribute to their communities, and to be resilient in the face of disease, disasters, and other global crises".

Nutrition/ Malnutrition Around the World

                                                  

Millions of children suffering from malnutrition. Every year, around 3 million children die due to malnutrition. 

For millions more, chronic malnutrition will result in stunting – an irreversible condition that literally stunts the physical and cognitive growth of children.

The good news is that we can change this.

The first 1,000 days from the start of a woman’s pregnancy to a child’s second birthday offer an extraordinary window of opportunity for preventing malnutrition and its consequences. 

"UNICEF targets its actions to this critical period, using widely accepted and evidence-based interventions, including support for breastfeeding, appropriate complementary foods for infants over 6 months, and micro nutrients supplementation for women and children to address deficiencies. These investments in nutrition – particularly in the earliest years of life – can yield dramatic results for children, their families, and communities" (unicef.org/nutrition).

I have learned that good nutrition is essential to young children's survival, health and development, however in America more than 16 million kids are not sure where their next meal will come from.   Malnutrition is a very serious crisis that is effecting our young children all around the world.  My personal growth as well as my professional has had a great influences on this issue of malnutrition and going forth I plan to take the opportunity to help and support all organizations that help children and families "fight for hunger'.   Our children are depending on us to help them live a healthy happy nutritional life.

References

Building blocks for fun and healthy meals: A menu planner for the Child and Adult Care Food Program. (2000). Washington, DC: United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service.

UNICEF http://www.unicef.org/nutrition/