Nutrition/Malnutrition
I chose to discuss nutrition and malnutrition because they both can
impact a child’s health, life, and even education in major ways. Nutrition is
the intake of food and nutrients needed for healthy growth and survival.
According to the article, “Nutrition” by UNICEF, “Proper nutrition is a
powerful good: people who are well nourished are more likely to be healthy,
productive and able to learn. Good nutrition benefits families, their
communities and the world as a whole” (UNICEF, n.d.) A child can get a good
start to a long, healthy life if they receive proper nutrition. Malnutrition is
basically the lack of nutrition. According to the article, “Nutrition” by
UNICEF, “Malnutrition is, by the same logic, devastating. It plays a part in
more than a third of all child deaths in developing countries” (UNICEF, n.d.). I
found out from the article, “Malnutrition in Africa” that “about 25 percent of
Africa’s population suffers from anemia due to iron deficiency. About two
million people suffer from night blindness or permanent blindness because of
vitamin A deficiency. In some countries the soil produces a low level of
iodine. Therefore, people cannot get enough of iodine from their food. Iodine
deficiency may cause stillbirths, spastic paralysis, deafness, muteness, or
mild retardation. Malnutrition is a major health issue” (Nilegacy.com,
2004-2011). It is very unfortunate for countries that have to deal with such
harsh conditions and situations.
This topic is meaningful to me because I was always taught
that proper nutrition will allow me to live a long, healthy life. Through the
years, I learned that nutrition helps my body and brain function properly,
which will result in me doing well in school. As an educator, I have seen the
difference nutrition can make. I once had a student who did not do well in
school. He would always be tired and hungry. The only time he would be fully
awake was during breakfast and lunch. We found out that the only time he had
the proper nutrition was when he was in school. He looked well under weight for
his age. This is a prime example of malnutrition.
The
information I learned may impact my future work in the following ways:
I
Will
§
Teach
nutrition to my students
§
Share
nutritional information with parents/guardians
§
Be
an advocate for nutrition
Nilegacy.com (2004-2011). Malnutrition in Africa. Retrieved
from http://www.ngilegacy.com/nutrition.htm
UNICEF (n.d.). Nutrition.
Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/nutrition/index.html
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteYour post is very edifying. I was surprised to learn that so many children die from malnutrition each year. Your post also reminds me of something my dad always said when we wasted food while growing up. He would say, 'Waste not your meal today for someone, somewhere has no meal to eat'. What true words. I am pleased to hear that you plan to become an advocate for nutrition.
Sometimes I am concerned that my six year old nephew may become malnourished because he is such a picky eater. What advise would you give to help dispel this concern?
Thanks Nicola!
DeleteIt was sad to read about the many deaths. My parents and grandparents told me the same thing when I was a child. (Don't waste food because there are hungry people in the world)My cousin had that problem with her son. Check out the top 10 tips for picky eaters on this site- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childrens-health/HQ01107
My cousin tried a few of these tips and now her son is not so picky anymore. I hope this helps!
~Ashley T.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post also. It was very informative and thorough. You wouldn't think that children being at school would be the only reason why they eat, but it does happen more often then we think. It is a form of child abuse and neglect. Although some may be financially incapable of doing so, it still is a very sad subject and shouldn't happen to as many as it does. Whether it be malnutrition or no nutrition at all, children need the nutrients for energy to stay awake, alert, and receive the proper development. very good post!
Thanks for the information. I am sure that it is not surprising that many children suffer from malnutrition even in the United States. In the age of processed foods it is difficult to get children and even some adults to eat healthy. A close friend of mine went to get a physical and was told that her blood count is low from not eating properly. She is a size zero and she does not really eat often. This has really opened both of our eyes to the necessity of healthy eating not just for fitness but for overall health.
ReplyDeleteHi, Ashley
ReplyDeleteNutrition and malnutrition both has an impact on child’s health, but I wasn't aware that so many children dying from malnutrition each year that was very sad to hear. This was a very interesting post I really enjoy reading and enlighten me on how important is for children to intake their nutrition’s.