Child Health (2)

Question 1

What did we learn about Archie?

Which key social determinants and lifestyle behaviours identified to take a holistic approach to his health?

Answer 1

Poor dentition from - bad diet, sugary food, poor habits, poor dental hygiene

Unintentional lower level neglect from mother

Mother suffering from depression

Recently moved - escaped abusive home
ACE - witnesses mum getting abused by her ex

Dental pain - disrupts diet, sleep, concentration at school, etc.

Question 2

How do they impact on health?

Individuals with at least four ACEs were at increased risk of multiple health outcomes:

Answer 2

Problematic drug use

Question 3

Why are ACEs so problematic?

Answer 3

Due to the plastic nature of the immature brain

Toxic stress =
Excessive chronic activation of the stress response –> system dysregulation of: child’s developing brain, immune system, metabolic regulatory systems, and CV system

Epigenetics =
Childhood experience (positive and negative) affects the ‘epigenome’ and gene expression
Temporarily or pernanently depending on how easily the gene is turned on or off
Brain is developing most rapidly in early years so epigenetic expression shapes health and behaviour from this early stage

Question 4

How can we reduce the impact of ACEs?

Answer 4

Interventions can help prevent and counteract lasting harm e.g. reducing stress, building responsive relationships, strengthening life and coping skills

Question 5

What are some interventions to help Archie?

Answer 5

Health coaching on dental hygiene
Counselling / Family therapy
Diet plan - reduce sugar intake, snacking, binge eating - use ‘Child in Need’ vouchers
Pain management with tooth decay to improve sleep
Ways to implement exercise into routine - e.g. walking to school

Question 6

What are the 7 pillars of self care?

Answer 6

Environment 
Exercise 
Sleep 
Infections
Diet
Stress
Genetics 
Sunlight

Question 7

What are the 4 pillars to create a personalised lifestyle medicine prescription?

Answer 7

Eat
Sleep
Move
Relax

For each pillar ask: How? What? When
Use LEAP - Local Enjoyable and Practical

Question 8

The message VS the messenger in medicine:

Answer 8

Messages: a healthy lifestyle
Parenting skills
Healthy family routines
Balanced diet
Physical activity and sleep
Emotional wellbeing
Breastfeeding

Messenger: creating conditions for change
Relationships based on trust and respect
Empathy
Strengths-based
Solution-focused
Building motivation for change