I chose
malnutrition as the topic of my research for this week. Malnutrition develops
when the body is deprived of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it
needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function. I chose this topic
because malnutrition is not only a major health concern in developing nations
but here at home in the United States as well. In the US, malnutrition can be
seen in the form of over nutrition (children become overweight) and under
nutrition (children are underweight). An overweight child is more likely to develop
diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. In comparison, in
developing nations throughout the world, malnutrition is visible in the form of
under nutrition. Statistics show that 1/3rd of children in
developing nations suffer from this form of malnutrition. Malnourishment during
the early childhood period has serious long-term consequences. It impedes
motor, sensory, cognitive, social and emotional development (UNICEF). Severe
malnourishment can cause a child to become stunted (very short for their age)
or wasted (a child being severely underweight for their age and height). It can
also cause brain damage, make the likelihood of death due to a childhood
disease higher or be the cause of diseases such as Marasmus and Kwashiorkor.
(Berger, 2012).
Malnutrition statistics
from around the world (Save the Children, 2012):
· -
Every hour of every day 300 children die of
malnutrition
· - It is the underlying of cause of death of 2.6
million children each year
·
- I in 4 of the world’s children are stunted
·
- 80% of the world’s stunted children live in just
20 countries
· - Seven countries have been predicted to see an
increase in stunted children by 2015 (In Nigeria -1.6 million, in Tanzania
-450,000)
·
- Adults who were malnourished as children earn 20%
less on average than those who weren’t.
India has the
second highest rate of malnutrition in the developing world ahead of sub
Saharan Africa. 1/3rd of malnourished children in the world live in
India where 46% of children under 3 are too small for their age, 47% are
underweight and 16% are wasted. There are several contributing factors that are
the cause in addition to poor access to adequate nutrition; lack of access to
health services, lack of services for pregnant mothers and children and lack of
good hygiene practices. Social factors also contribute to malnutrition in girls
who are considered to be of a lower social status than males; they are the last
to eat in the family.(UNICEF). The lack of knowledge about appropriate
feeding practices is also a contributing factor (Mendelson, 2005).
According to one
study conducted to examine effects of malnutrition on cognitive development among
children in the United States, findings showed that obesity may affect cognitive
development as does under nutrition (Averett, S. & Stifel, D., 2006). Whether being undernourished
or over nourished, it is clear that malnutrition during early childhood affects
the healthy development of a child with effects lasting into adulthood. This information
has given me an even clearer understanding of the link between good nutrition
and healthy development. As an educator, I can use this information identify
any nutritional concerns among my students and educate them and as well as
parents about the importance of good nutrition and their long term health and
development implications.
References:
UNICEF
(n.d.). Nutrition Retrieved from: http://www.unicef.org/india/children_2356.htm
Save the
Children (2012). A life free from hunger Retrieved from: http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.7980641/k.C98/Nutrition_Report_2012.htm
Averett, S. & Stifel, D. (2006) The Cognitive
Effects of Childhood Malnutrition in the United States. Retrieved from: http://sites.lafayette.edu/stifeld/files/2010/05/averett_stifel_obesity_june_2007.pdf
Mendelson, S.
(2005). Child malnutrition in India.
Retrieved
from: http://www.cini.org.uk/childmalutrition.pdf
I never would have put obesity under malnutrition. I'm glad you chose this topic because like I said I thought obesity was classified under something else. I have had children in my class that are obese and I have always felt that it is important for teachers to keep healthy snacks for the kids. Sometimes it's heartbreaking to see these babies overweight because it isn't their fault but the most frustrating part is being limited to helping them.
ReplyDeleteGreat info. Like you stated, under malnutrition or over, early childhood cognitive development is affected. I am definitely going to pass this info on to my fellow co-workers.
ReplyDeleteHi Keshika, I enjoyed reading your post. I also found it interesting that obesity would be under malnutrition; but I guess when I think about it, it does make sense. Unfortunately, once nutrition and weight have been an issue, it can have lasting implications throughout one's life. It's important that we try to give our children the best start possible. Unfortunately, many people do not realize or sometimes have it in their control to change circumstances they are in. Sometimes as early childhood educators we have to step in where we might not want to go and give information or assistance that has not been asked for or may not be welcomed. We have to put the well being of the child first and move forward with what must be done on their behalf. Cindy Ferguson
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