1. Health & Your Young Child

2. WELCOME Who we are Why we are here What to expect: – Starting questions – Short presentation – Q & A – Closing questions Questions?

3. Getting Started: True or False? 1) On average, babies are walking by 10 months. True or False 2) The measles vaccine has been proven to cause autism. True or False 3) Dairy is an excellent source of calcium – especially for growing children. True or False

4. Healthy Pregnancy Regular visits with a doctor 1 – 27 weeks: once visit/month 28 – 35 weeks: every 2 weeks 36 weeks – Delivery: every week  Care providers during pregnancy:  Family doctor  Midwife  Obstetrician/gynecologist

5. 1 st Prenatal Visit Important as doctor can identify high-risk pregnancies Discuss birth plan with doctor Lab tests – blood test, STD testing, PAP smear

6. Healthy Pregnancy Healthy eating – Balanced meals – Standard “prenatal” vitamin – Cut down on coffee/caffeine – Less junk food  Exercise is good during pregnancy  walking, swimming, flexibility programs.  Ask your doctor about what you can do!

7. Avoid during Pregnancy Smoking – Complications during pregnancy – Affects baby’s development – Second-hand smoke a risk for children Alcohol – Affects baby’s development – FASD Other substances - drugs

8. At Home with Baby “safe sleeping” area clear of hazards Place baby on back when sleeping Crying is normal! – Check diaper, feed, walk with baby Smoke free environment Ask friends or doctor about “baby” groups

9. Breastfeeding Breastfeed for 6 months Can “pump” into bottle Young babies want to feed often Ask nurse/doctor for more information on breastfeeding Vitamin D supplements **Some women don’t feel comfortable with breastfeeding – that is okay! There are other options.

10. Check-ups Schedule check-ups after birth with doctor Keep a list of questions to bring to ask doctor during the visit Dentist – @ age 1 Optometrist - @ age 3 (can be earlier)

11. Vaccinations Vaccinations = immunizations Vaccines prep your body to deal with the disease if infected later Prevents child from serious harm or death

13. Developmental Milestones 6 months: roll over & sit unsupported 8 months: crawls 9 months: “mama” & “dada” 10 – 11 months: stands up 11 – 15 months: walks 2 years: 2 word phrases 3 years: simple sentences

14. Questions?

15. Healthy Children Development through: – Playing: acting out scenes with dolls, playing house, interacting with other children – Sports: learning coordination and team participation Learning to ride bike Soccer, baseball, hockey etc.

16. Nutrition Proper nutrition is essential during development. What is “proper nutrition”? How do I incorporate that into my child’s diet?

17. Fruits and Vegetables Eat a variety of food, half of the meal should be fruits and vegetables. Try a variety of fruits and vegetables to find their favorite. Make smoothies with fresh fruit. Provide tasty dip with celery sticks.

18. Portion Control Make sure your child’s meals are the appropriate portion. Excess amount of any food can lead to childhood obesity. Know your child’s average meal size. Adjust meal size throughout the day. Avoid letting your child eat straight out of the snack bag.

19. Calcium Calcium is crucial to bone growth during childhood, and dairy is an excellent source. Provide milk and yogurt with their breakfast. Buy fortified foods if necessary. Add cheese to their snacks.

20. Fibre Fibre is just as important in children as it is in adults. Make sure your child gets enough. Serve apple and leave the skin on. Add raisins to morning oatmeal. Try to serve a good portion of fruits and vegetables daily.

21. Breakfast Breakfast is an important meal during the day, and a great time for your child to get various nutrients. Milk and oatmeal can provide calcium and fibre. Breakfast is also a great time for fruits. Try to avoid egg and bacon everyday.

22. Salt High salt diet increases risk of dehydration and high blood pressure in children. Avoid the salt shaker at the dinner table. Look for food and snacks low in sodium. Bread is a common source of salt. Try whole wheat breads, which is also great for fibre.

23. Pop and other drinks Sugary drinks are of little nutritional value, and often contain additives bad for children. Limit the amount of sweet drinks you buy from the grocery store. Try to replace fruit juice with fresh fruit. Decrease their intake slowly, or gradually water down the drinks.

24. Vitamins Vitamins are important during development, they contribute to bone growth, immune system and etc. Look for food fortified with vitamins. Vitamin D supplement can be appropriate for areas without much sunshine. Fruits, dairy and leafy green vegetable can provide a variety of vitamins.

25. True or False? Answers: 1) On average, babies are walking by 10 months. True or False 2) The measles vaccine has been proven to cause autism. True or False 3) Dairy is an excellent source of calcium – especially for growing children. True or False

26. Resources BC Ministry of Health websites – guidelines. http://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca http://www.bestchance.gov.bc.ca http://immunizebc.ca/facts-on- immunity/how-vaccines-work http://immunizebc.ca/facts-on- immunity/how-vaccines-work