Child health

Child health:

Since forever child health is concern of every parents and every nation as they are the base of every nation healthy children means healthy nation, growing nation, they are future of every nation. It is not just base of all the nations it is also the base of humanity as it exists on the health of children. Healthy children are not just free from diseases but they are also fits physically, mentally, emotionally and morally. Their growth depends upon different factors which includes nutrition, immunization, moral support, emotional support, physical strength, hygiene, education and family support and care. While examining the health of any child the one should not just examine diseases other factors physical strength, emotional strength, mental strength, and social well-being.

Child health of any child begins from the moment of birth and its starting care and attention becomes the base of child’s health that shapes the quality of life. A new-born baby when enters the world is full of potential and amazing abilities which need to be explore with exploring environment, extra care and special attention. The first five years of the baby are very important as they become the base of their whole life. During these golden five years rapid growth occurs, immunity is developed, learning abilities are formed and emotional bonds are formed. Any disturbance in this time period results malnutrition, neglect, infection disease exposure, causing consequences that remain with them for life time.

Child’s health is also complicating that covers all the aspects of growth from the diet and psychological growth to preventing measures. Shape of health is determined socially such as poverty, parent’s education, housing and access to clean and filter water. On the other hand at the same time it is also affected by the genes they got from their parents, birth condition and environmental factors such as pollution and climate.

Physical health and growth:

In children the physical health and growth is determined by different parameters which includes their height, weight and their rate of development. A healthy child gains height with their age and gains weight with development of different motor skills such as crawling, walking and running within expected duration of time/set timelines. These all processes are dependent on genetic factor but are highly influenced by environment, health care and nutrition.

Proper nutrition supply is important for proper growth. First 6 month breast feeding supply an adequate amount of nutrients that are required for proper growth of child and also provides antibodies which are useful to protect child from different diseases and infections. In the period of child hood life the balance diet of proper vitamins, minerals, proteins and carbohydrates lead to the proper development of muscles, bone density and brain. Malnutrition whether in the form of underweight or obesity, which are most serious threats to child health worldwide.

Children also require daily physical activity for the development of motor skills, bone growth, muscle development and maintenance of cardiovascular health. Outdoor activities such as cycling, walking or running develops a good lifetime habit of exercise. However lifestyle of child lacking these activity can led to rising threats about childhood obesity, poor posture, and reduced physical stamina.

Sleep is another important factor of physical wellbeing. Children require much more sleep than elders, and disturbance in their sleep routine can cause disturbance in their growth, memory, mood, and immunity. Regular sleep routines is very important for good health.

Physical health of child

Nourishment:

Child health directly attached to diet which provides fuel for physical and mental growth. Diet balance varies according to the age but some of the principle are same or universal. Balanced amount of protein is essential for proper growth of muscles and carbohydrates are required to provide energy for daily activity. Other micronutrient like vitamin calcium and iodine are also required for proper growth.

Malnutrition is still a global issue. In many low income countries malnutrition is a serious issue which lacks brain growth, physical growth and weakened immunity. However many of the developed and under developing countries the obesity is the major issue now a days which is due to intake of processed food, junk food and sugar drinks.

Parent education plays a very important role in the structure of children’s eating habit. Educated families promote home-cooked meals, fruits, vegetables, and water consumption that leads to health life style on the other hand community and school also plays important role in mean of the availability of food options to children.

Immunization and preventive care:

Vaccination have been one of the greatest achievements in child health, which have saved millions of lives by protecting against diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Immunization not just prevents disease but also reduces the threat on healthcare systems.

Routine check-up is important for the determination of proper growth and development and detection of life threatening diseases. Examination of hearing vision and dental health can prevent small problem becoming lifelong problems. For parents preventing care is essential to educating them about accident prevention, safe sleep practices for infants, and recognizing early signs of illness.

Hygiene and sanitation:

Hygiene is having great importance in child’s health to prevent the base where these diseases gets started. Proper hand washing can prevent the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illnesses, two leading causes of child mortality worldwide. Teaching children basic hygiene of brushing teeth, taking bath and clean eating could form a great lifetime habit in them.

Environmental sanitation is also one of the best method of disease prevention. Clean environment and access to clean water, safe sewage disposal, and proper management of waste can prevent several diseases. As the dirty environment is on highly risk of parasitic infections, diarrheal diseases, and malnutrition.

Mental and emotional wellbeing:

A child’s health is not just physical health it also includes mental and emotional health/balance. Mental health in children refers to the ability to recognise thing around environment, to socialize and to face challenges. Disturbance in their mind like bullying, family conflict, and abuse can create serious psychological issues which can affect them in the age of maturity.

Children need love, security, and motivation from their guardians. An environment where they feel safe and sound. Parents that gives proper time to their child, listen actively and provide them full support builds self confidence in them. Stress and anxiety have been increasingly observed worldwide. Pressure of academics, over use of social media, and environment of family conflicts causes serious mental health challenges. Schools also play a major role by integrating mental health awareness into their curriculum and offering emotional support and create supporting environment.