The average baby born today can expect to live 75 years if it's a boy, and 81 years if a girl. Just exactly how long we each will live depends on our genetic makeup, the environment and the lifestyle we choose; these factors also determine how well we live - our quality of life. Lifestyle factors include diet, exercise and whether we smoke or drink alcohol. Government statistics show that more than 60% of the diseases we develop later in life are related to diet, and it is obvious that the choices we make for our children and the habits we cultivate in them in the first ten years of their lives will have profound effects on their long-term quality of life.
Childhood diseases have largely been eradicated, even sudden infant death syndrome has decreased markedly over the last 20 years. The major health threats to children are accidents and infection; asthma is the most common chronic condition; and anaemia due to iron deficiency is the most common nutritional problem. In some instances these conditions can be prevented or managed by paying attention to diet and by using natural health supplements, where appropriate.
The risk of some diseases increase if there is a family history of the disease - some of the most obvious ones are cystic fibrosis, haemophilia and heart disease, but predisposition to arthritis, asthma, skin cancer and bowel cancer can also have a genetic basis. By looking at our family history we can learn of risks and take preventive steps in our lifestyle.
Following is a brief look at some of the changes that take place in the formative first 10 years of life, together with advice on foods and supplements that can help ensure the right intake of essential nutrients.
BONES AND TEETH
At birth the body's long bones are composed of nearly two-thirds cartilage. During childhood, as bones grow longer the cartilage is gradually replaced by bone which makes the limbs stronger.
The first teeth - lower incisors - start appearing after 6 months, while the upper incisors emerge between 8 months and one year. By the age of 3, most children will have a complete set of first teeth. Adult teeth begin to appear at about age 6 years, starting with incisors and molars; between 6 and 12 years the adult canines and premolars will erupt.
It's important to look after the first teeth as well as the second teeth, so the earlier the introduction of preventive tooth care, the better. Regular checkups can spot problems early and it is important to supervise brushing right up until the age of 10 to ensure correct technique.
Calcium is the most important mineral for growing bones and teeth. Calcium requirements are actually higher in the first 10 years but, unfortunately, more than 50% of boys and 75% of girls are not getting the recommended amount from their daily diet, and are at risk of osteoporosis later in life.
Rich food sources of calcium, apart from dairy foods, include canned fish (with bones), dried fruits and fortified cereals. Calcium supplements, especially formulated for children, are a convenient way of ensuring adequate intake.
HEART AND CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
The resting heart rate of a newborn baby is a rapid 120 beats per minute, almost twice as fast as an adult. The heart rate gradually slows down as childhood progresses.
Iron deficiency anaemia is a blood disorder that can occur in the first 10 years. Anaemia is a potentially serious problem in this age group because iron is essential for normal physical and mental development and for resistance to infection. Iron deficiency anaemia is most likely to occur in children who drink a lot of milk (replacing foods that are good sources of iron) and in children who frequently have gastroenteritis.
Good food sources of iron, apart from red meat, include green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, parsley, nuts, seeds, and fortified breakfast cereals. Supplements formulated for children are also available.
BRAIN AND NERVOUS SYSTEM.
The various organs and tissues of the body do not all follow the same pattern of growth. Nearly all of the growth of the brain, for example, occurs during the first five years of life; relative to the rest of the body, the head decreases in size with age.
While all of the nerve cells are present at birth, the connections between nerves continue to form during infancy and childhood. These connections develop fastest before the age of 6, and are sufficiently developed by the age of 3 to allow walking and talking, and control of bladder and bowel.
Healthy brain and nerve development depends on an adequate supply of appropriate nutrients from the diet. Fish have oils that contain an important fatty acid called DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which is involved in neurotransmitter function. Children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) have low blood levels of DHA and this is thought to be a contributing factor to their condition. DHA is available in capsules.
Supplements containing B group vitamins and the mineral magnesium can help calm an overstimulated nervous system.
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
At birth the ovaries contain an astonishing one million eggs, while the testes contain primitive sperm which do not mature until puberty. The reproductive system is slow to develop in the first 10 years simply because it is not yet needed.
GROWTH AND ENERGY REQUIREMENTS
Physical growth in the first year of life is rapid - a baby will increase threefold in weight, and height will double. During childhood growth rate is more uniform and weight increases by 2-3 kg a year, while height increases 5-6 cm each year until age 10. Growth is directly linked to adequate nutrition- if there is insufficient food, weight and height gain will be reduced.
Infants need more calories for their weight than adults. The energy requirements of children can vary markedly, depending on their level of physical activity.
SOME IMPORTANT ISSUES TO CONSIDER
During infancy and childhood parents will confront situations where the decisions they make will have the potential to affect the health of their children in later years. Probably the most important issue relates to immunity from disease and whether or not to immunise.
Children gradually develop immunity to minor illnesses caused by bacteria and viruses, and hygiene plays a vital role in avoiding these infections. It is generally recommended to immunise against more severe infections; this is an important decision and should be made with full knowledge of the facts, so it is important to discuss immunisation with your health care professional to be fully informed.
Similarly, the use of fluoride for the prevention of tooth decay is another situation where it is best to be fully informed before using fluoride treatments - discuss treatments with your healthcare professional and dentist.
Children's eating habits need constant monitoring and guidance to set the pattern for adult life, and physical activity must be encouraged for the development of growing bodies and healthy adults.
REFERENCES:
- Brewin, Lynda. Natural Health for Children. ABC Books 2002
- Wahlqvist, M. Food and Nutrition in Australia. Allen and Unwin 2nd Edition 2002
- Complete Home Medical Guide. Dorling Kindersley 2001
- Australia’s Health 2000. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Healey, Kaye. The Food we eat. Vol 83 Spinney Press 1997
