Nutrition/Malnutrition

Health is an important part of development as well as learning.  Starting when a child is in the womb, it is important that the child is receiving proper and adequate nutrition for growth and development.  We all know that many children do not receive the proper nutrition which can result in abnormalities of a child.  This is evident when a child is taken to the doctor and his weight and height are compared to the average child of the same age.  Nutrition is directly related to all aspects of growth and development which will influence health through adulthood.  A better quality of life is another result of proper diet and nutrition. 

This topic is meaningful to me because my youngest son exercises daily but still gained weight.  I noticed a change in the color of the back of his neck.  I immediately made and appointment with his doctor.  I was informed that many parents associate discoloration to poor hygiene but it a sign of diabetes.  She told me that although I cooking the right things, we were eating at the wrong time, late in the evening.  I had to change how I cooked because I get home late in the evening.  As a result of this the changes I made, my son's weight decreased and his attention span improved. 

There are so many children who do not receive the proper nutrition and its is sad because once they go home, many of them do not receive  a meal until the following day at school.  This was noticed in the local schools.  They coupled with a local organization and did food drives. Children are allowed to come in and get food to take home to ensure that they have something to eat when they go home.  I always give whenever there is a food drive going on because this could change and I could be needed assistance as well.  It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that children are well nourished and know the importance of good health.  Proper diet, nutrition, and exercise helps to extend life.  Studies have shown that this is when children perform at their best.