Friday, 6 January 2012
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Children in the U.S. have been increasingly facing challenges when it comes to their health. While some are diagnosed with obesity, others are simply malnourished due to the high prevalence of fast food and processed food choices that keep them from getting sufficient nutrients from their daily diet. Whereas the last generation had enjoyed at least a daily home-cooked balanced meal high in fruits and vegetables, the increasingly busy lifestyles, particularly with many moms also holding down several home-based jobs, have contributed to the poor nutrition of children.
With this challenge, how can moms be sure that their children are getting proper nutrition? Of course, making sure they get balanced diets high in vegetables, grains, and fruits, is key. From there, though, how can they tell if they are succeeding? After all, while there is a rough range of developmental milestones, there is still the issue of individual difference that tells mothers not to compare their child directly with other children his age.
The following checklist is considered a tell-tale list for a child’s state of nourishment:
1. Check if his eyes are clear – Clear eyes are not only those that you see in the eyes of cartoon princesses. These “windows to the soul” are scientifically proven to be an accurate check of the overall health of a person. For a child, clear eyes are a good sign that he is in good health. If his eyes look dull or lifeless, it may signal an emotional problem or a physical condition, so it would be best to pay a visit to your paediatrician.
2. His hair is shiny and his skin is clear – While the hair and skin may be tell-tale signs of how pretty or handsome a child is, they are also great ways to check overall health. Why? A person’s hair contains essential oils and proteins, and these nutrients go into the hair after the rest of the body gets their share. This means that a shiny hair indicates enough nutrients for the rest of the body. The skin is also a good indicator of sickness, as it tends to get dry and saggy during illness. If there is a low level of essential oils, chances are, something is amiss.
3. His muscle development is good – This is a good indicator of the sufficiency of protein and enough natural movement. A child typically does not require extra exercise, as his daily routine involves much running and jumping around. Typically, a child who spends his time loafing in front of the television will suffer in this area, and this gives you a cue to cut back on the tube.
4. His posture is good, and he is cheerful and alert – Posture is related to many things, such as good bone structure, but also to a child’s emotional state. For example, a slumping posture may be an indication of physical weakness or illness, yet it may also be an indication of a poor self-esteem. General cheerfulness and alertness are also good indicators of a child’s emotional well-being, and a good sign if he is getting enough sleep.
5. His sleep is sound – Indeed, sleep is crucial for a child’s development. If your child is constantly getting disturbed sleep not caused by external factors, it may signal some level of anxiety.
6. He has regular bowel movements – This is a good indicator of the proper functioning of his digestive system. It also shows that he is eating enough. It might interest you to note that the way doctors check on the thriving of newborns is to check the number of soiled diapers they have in a day.
7. He typically has a hearty appetite – A poor appetite may indicate a poor digestive system, or even a lack of proper rest and sleep.
8. He has the right weight for his height – While it is not advisable to compare a child’s development with another child his age, there is a rough range that shows normal development, and this takes into account the proportion of a child’s weight to his height.
Once these things are place, you can breathe easy that your child is getting enough nutrition. If one of these factors does not seem in place and it bothers you, feel free to get in touch with your paediatrician, as it is his desire to help your child grow to his utmost potential.
Checklist for a Child’s Proper Nourishment
With this challenge, how can moms be sure that their children are getting proper nutrition? Of course, making sure they get balanced diets high in vegetables, grains, and fruits, is key. From there, though, how can they tell if they are succeeding? After all, while there is a rough range of developmental milestones, there is still the issue of individual difference that tells mothers not to compare their child directly with other children his age.
The following checklist is considered a tell-tale list for a child’s state of nourishment:
1. Check if his eyes are clear – Clear eyes are not only those that you see in the eyes of cartoon princesses. These “windows to the soul” are scientifically proven to be an accurate check of the overall health of a person. For a child, clear eyes are a good sign that he is in good health. If his eyes look dull or lifeless, it may signal an emotional problem or a physical condition, so it would be best to pay a visit to your paediatrician.
2. His hair is shiny and his skin is clear – While the hair and skin may be tell-tale signs of how pretty or handsome a child is, they are also great ways to check overall health. Why? A person’s hair contains essential oils and proteins, and these nutrients go into the hair after the rest of the body gets their share. This means that a shiny hair indicates enough nutrients for the rest of the body. The skin is also a good indicator of sickness, as it tends to get dry and saggy during illness. If there is a low level of essential oils, chances are, something is amiss.
3. His muscle development is good – This is a good indicator of the sufficiency of protein and enough natural movement. A child typically does not require extra exercise, as his daily routine involves much running and jumping around. Typically, a child who spends his time loafing in front of the television will suffer in this area, and this gives you a cue to cut back on the tube.
4. His posture is good, and he is cheerful and alert – Posture is related to many things, such as good bone structure, but also to a child’s emotional state. For example, a slumping posture may be an indication of physical weakness or illness, yet it may also be an indication of a poor self-esteem. General cheerfulness and alertness are also good indicators of a child’s emotional well-being, and a good sign if he is getting enough sleep.
5. His sleep is sound – Indeed, sleep is crucial for a child’s development. If your child is constantly getting disturbed sleep not caused by external factors, it may signal some level of anxiety.
6. He has regular bowel movements – This is a good indicator of the proper functioning of his digestive system. It also shows that he is eating enough. It might interest you to note that the way doctors check on the thriving of newborns is to check the number of soiled diapers they have in a day.
7. He typically has a hearty appetite – A poor appetite may indicate a poor digestive system, or even a lack of proper rest and sleep.
8. He has the right weight for his height – While it is not advisable to compare a child’s development with another child his age, there is a rough range that shows normal development, and this takes into account the proportion of a child’s weight to his height.
Once these things are place, you can breathe easy that your child is getting enough nutrition. If one of these factors does not seem in place and it bothers you, feel free to get in touch with your paediatrician, as it is his desire to help your child grow to his utmost potential.
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