Community Nutrition Update: Childhood Nutrition Preschool and Elementary School ~Ages One to Eleven Years~ Patty Case, OSU Extension Service, Klamath County

Outline Characteristics of childhood Nutritional issues – Imbalances – Iron – Tooth Decay Key Messages Nutrition Education

General Characteristics of Childhood Growth rate slows Nutrient needs remain high Emotional growth rate increases

Emotional Changes Toddler Preschool School Age

Nutrition Goals Achieve normal growth & development Learn to enjoy a variety of nutritious foods Transition from dependent eating to independent smoothly

Nutritional Issues Nutritional deficiencies replaced with nutritional imbalances Calcium Iron Tooth decay

Nutritional Imbalances Skipping meals effects school performance One in five children get 5-A-Day (average about 3 1/2 servings per day) Fat intake about 34% of calories Snacking has increased, contributes 20-42% of daily energy intake Imbalances association with chronic diseases (Krebs-Smith et al, 1996;USDA,2000)

Healthy Eating Index The Healthy Eating Index: US Dept of Ag, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

Iron Most common deficiency Greater problem in children of low-income families Only 60% of females 6-11 years met RDA Shown to cause lower scores of mental and motor functioning (CSFII )

Tooth Decay Single most common disease of childhood Effects all income levels 50% have cavities by 2 nd grade Among low income, 50% of decay goes untreated Treatment – Well balanced diet, moderate snacking – Early hygiene and dental care – Fluoridated toothpaste and water (Healthy People 2010)

Key Messages Five-A-Day Appropriate Snacking Regular Breakfast Feeding Responsibilities Variety and Experimentation with Foods

Feeding Responsibilities (E.Satter)AdultsChildren What When Where How Much Whether or Not

Children’s Food Pyramid Portions vary with age Whole milk for under 2 yrs Snacks are mini-meals

Nutrition Ed—What Works? More exposure is better—how much? Developmentally appropriate Adult influence Focus on behavior change Lytle et al, 1997; Contento et al, 1995

Summary Dietary quality needs improvement. Childhood food habits/choices track into adolescence. Need to find ways to weave “key messages” into children’s and families lives. Need to engage children early in education. App