School Age Children Flashcards
Age of school children
- Middle Childhood: 5 to 9 year olds
Preadolescence: 9 to 11 year old girls & 10 to 12 year old boys
Growth of school aged children
growth is lower than earlier stages and occurs in spurts
* gain average 3 to 3.5 kg and 6 cm per year
What is the gain in fat mass called and when does it occur?
rebound adiposity around ~6-7 years
* normal increase in BMI
* greater increase in fat mass for girls
* early rebound adiposity associated with obesity
How is growth monitored?
WHO growth charts
monitor using weight for age (until 10 years of age) and height for age; BMI for age
What factors would be considered optimal for growth in these age groups?
- physical activity/ movement
- Sleep
- Quality nutrition
Motor Skill Development
- improved motor coordination
- ability to perform more complex pattern movements
- increasing muscular strength
- physical activity contributing more to energy expenditur (highly variable)
Feeding and Food Skills
- mastered the use of utensils
- should be involved with food preparation and chores related to meals
- ready to learn about simple nutrition facts and relate to food they are eating
How should this aged learn about nutrition?
“this food helps make you strong”
* Not complex
* not related to chronic disease or body weight
* not “good” or “bad” foods
Cognitive and Social Development
- decreased engocentricism
- more rational cause/effect reasoning, but concrete thinking (Can relate consequences to action)
- development of sense of self and self- efficacy
- increasing importance of peer relationships
- greater independence
- promotion of autonomy
Eating Behaviours
- eat more away from home
- some independance on food choice
- influence of family vs. peers
- environmental influences (culture of school, activites, what is available)
- marketing of foods (beyond advertising too)
Diet Quality
Based on following recommendations in Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide most require improvement or have a poor quality diet.
How are energy intakes determined?
Energy needs for maintenance, growth and activity
Estimated Energy Expenditure:
* separate formula boys and girls
* different formula for 3-8 years and 9-18 years
* weight, height, age, and physical activity level (variable)
Stats of obesity
Canadian Health Measures Survey (2009 to 2011):
* 5 to 11 year olds: 19.7% overweight
* 13.1% obese
* ~1.5% underweight
Canadian 24-hr movement guidelines for 5-17 years
SIT
* Limit sitting for extended period
* No more than 2 hours of recreational screen time
UNINTERRUPTED SLEEP
* 5 to 13 years: 9 to 11 hours
* Consistent bed and wake-up times
STEP (LIGHT ACTIVITY)
* Several hours, structured and unstructured
SWEAT (MODERATE TO VIGOROUS)
* At least 60 mins
* Vigorous activities, muscle and bone strengthening at least 3 days/week
Macronutrient Recommendations