| The Next Generation
“Are we raising healthy kids?"
The three R’s – reading, writing and arithmetic – may be the key to academic success, but PMS – Physical, Mental and Social health are fundamental to a child’s well-being and overall development. Take into consideration these statistics that over nine million children and teens, aged 6-19, are overweight and more than half of teenage girls are on or think they need a diet. 1% of female adolescents, 1 out of every 100 girls aged 10 to 20, are anorexic. In the year 2000, suicide was the third leading cause of death for youths aged 15 to 24. One in 10 children suffers from a mental illness severe enough to cause some level of impairment. One in every 400 to 600 children/adolescents has Type I Diabetes.
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” P is for Physical Health
The basis for a child’s good physical health includes nutritious food, adequate sleep and regular exercise along with immunizations and a safe, living environment. The Forum on Child and Family Statistics’ signature report, America’s Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, is an annual indicators report that details the status of children and families in the United States. While the 2006 report showed the health of the nation’s children has improved in many areas, including vaccination coverage, teen birth rates and child mortality, the continued trend of overweight children raises concern.
By Kim Brussell
Complete story in this issue of DASH.
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