Last month, I discussed small steps that could be taken to ensure optimal health for the infant/toddler population, age infant up to 3 years.
Now I would like to focus on how to improve the overall health of children age 4 to 11 years. This is yet another age group that depends on parents and/or caregivers to ensure that they are in the best of health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed several health objectives for this population. It was suggested that this age group be provided with a safe environment where healthy behaviors are promoted and injuries are reduced.
In an era where obesity and diabetes are becoming more prevalent in this population, efforts should be made by parents and caregivers to equip this age group with the necessary lifestyle behaviors to prevent chronic diseases and promote healthy living.
Children need to have access to a full range of health services to help identify the risk for any developmental delays, disorders or possible disabilities.
Just as with the infant/toddler population, the overall idea for this age group is to begin combating obesity as early as possible.
It is important that children in this age group get the recommended daily servings of each food group. Parents and caregivers should allow children in this group to be a part of meal choices and preparation.
It also helps for parents be a good example by eating the foods you want your children to eat.
Preparing a meal and snack schedule that is made up of small portions is another way to help this population adopt healthier eating habits.
By now, we have all seen the commercials with Reggie Bush encouraging kids to be active and stop the "couch slouching." One hour a day is the daily recommended amount of activity for children.
Parents can ensure that children are active by introducing them to organized sports and after-school activities, as well as providing activities at home.
If at all possible, be active with your children. You will set a good example and get the physical activity you need for yourself.
Like the infant/toddler population, immunizations are a primary concern for this age group because this age group consists of preschoolers and school-aged children.
As mentioned in the previous article, the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatricians are two sources that provide immunization schedules and information for parents.
Timely well-child visits also are needed to ensure that your child is developing without any significant problems.
I am sure that is important to each parent that their child grows up to be "smart" and "normal." For that reason, it is important that children in this age group are screened for developmental disabilities.
This should be done so that if there are any disabilities discovered, action can be taken immediately to ensure optimal development.
Frequent parent-child interactions, such as allowing the child to read to you, and encouraging participation in activities that allow them to express themselves creatively are some small but significant ways to enhance your child's cognitive development.
For this age group, unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death. Therefore, the top priority on the list when considering your child's environment is safety.
Such injuries can occur in a variety of places, including motor vehicles, playgrounds and homes. It is also important that necessary measures be taken to prevent injuries or deaths from poisonings, fires and drowning.
A primary prevention measure would be for your child to be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
The lyrics to the song by Whitney Houston that "children are our future" are very correct. The type of lifestyles that we introduce to the younger generation will impact generations to come as we tend to pass down our lifestyles to our offspring.
Hopefully, we as a community, can slowly change our lifestyles so that in two or three generations, heart disease, stroke and cancer will not be the leading causes of death.
For more ideas about how to promote optimal health in your child, please visit the Small Step Kids Web site at www.smallstep.gov/kids or the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov.
For any other ideas, be sure to contact your primary care provider.
- Courtney Young, MPH, a native of Greenwood, is currently working on her master's degree at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. She is a second-year nursing student in the Family Nurse Practitioner program.
