Child Safety, Nutrition and Health Term Paper

Nutrition

To begin with, it is necessary to mention that there are three key factors, which should be taken into account while raising a child. These are Nutrition, safety and health. These factors should allow a child to grow with great well-being. Thus, nutrition should be based on a well-balanced diet, including proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, oils, vitamins and microelements. The diet should necessarily include grains, vegetables (especially dark green and orange), fruits, milky (and other calcium-rich) products and, surely, meat and fish. It is necessary to choose foods and beverages that do not have sugar and caloric sweeteners as one of the first ingredients. Added sugars contribute calories with few, if any, nutrients. (Mitchell, 1997).

Health

As for the matters of health, it is necessary to emphasize that the key aim of this factor is strong bones, good tone, lower risk of injuries and chronic diseases. Moreover, physically strong children are less subjected to depressions and anxiety. According to the data, provided by the Center for Decease Control, 77 percent of children aged nine to 13 participate in free-time physical activity and only 39 percent engage in organized physical activity. Among high school students, 63 percent participate in physical activity and just 25 percent engage in moderate physical activity. (Golden and Meckel, 2004) Twelve percent engage in little or no physical activity at all. Unfortunately, participation in physical activities tends to decrease as the kids get older. The fact is that the absence of physical activity causes an increased risk for diabetes, increased blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, asthma, arthritis and other chronic diseases. It is recommended that children and adolescents were engaged in at least 60 minute activity every day. (Walsh, Murphy, 2003).

Safety

Safety is regarded to be the widest factor of childish well-being. Originally, it entails physical mental and health safety, however, the common rules touch upon physical safety, as all the other measures should be individual.

It is stated that nearly 30% of children require medical help as a result of an accident. These accidents happen because of ignoring safety rules. These rules are simple, and parents should check regularly, whether the safety measures are met:

• Kids should remember all the emergency telephone numbers, and be able to dial them
• Fire detectors should be working
• All the toxic liquids and means, poisonous plants, cutting, piercing instruments and other dangerous objects should be out of reach
• Electric outlets should be covered with plastic or other isolating material
• The first aid kit is required to be completely stocked and easily reached
• the playing area must be free of broken glass, construction materials, tools, and have a secure fence
• toys, both inside and outside are free of broken or loose parts; small objects are not within reach of an infant or toddler. (Injury Prevention… 1996)

Indoor Activity

The best indoor activity which may be used to observe all three factors is to establish a homey gym, and engage children in physical activity. Thus, three birds are killed with the only stone: kids are physically active, they are supervised (safe), and physical activity requires a balanced diet. Moreover, home gym and joint physical activities promote the development of cooperation, mutual trust and respect, especially, if adults show positive examples, and children aim to follow them.

Outdoor Activity

The same should be stated in the outdoor activity. The best variant is to arrange an activity party when kids get awards for showing their physical achievements. The consequences are the same as in the “indoor activities” variant, however, the outdoor surrounding and fresh air will increase the usefulness of the activity.

Resource Page

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