School children between the ages of 6 and 10 show slow but continuous growth. The diet in this age; It is arranged according to the child's age, gender, body weight and physical activity level. The diet and habits formed in children of this age form the basis for the diet in adulthood. Therefore, it is very important for the family to teach the child healthy eating habits and provide nutrition education during this period.
The purpose of the nutrition program to be applied to school-age children is to continue the growth and development of children and to create positive eating habits. The most important indicator that the child is not receiving adequate and balanced nutrition is his growth and development. Growth and development are monitored by following percentile ranges according to age and gender. As a result of malnutrition, growth and development are delayed and the risk of catching diseases increases. Especially as a result of unhealthy nutrition, the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and obesity increases.
Nutritional problems common in school-age children; These are weakness, obesity, iron deficiency anemia, vitamin deficiencies, iodine deficiency, constipation and tooth decay. With the increase in obesity in recent years, metabolic syndrome has also been included in this group.
RECOMMENDATIONS
One of the most important problems of school children is breakfast. not having a meal. Breakfast is an essential meal for the body that has been fasting throughout the night, which is why it is called the most important meal of the day. Children who do not eat breakfast experience negative effects such as decreased attention and learning ability, which will affect school success. That's why every child (in fact, every person) should have a breakfast that contains the energy and nutrients they need in the morning. At breakfast; Foods such as milk, eggs, cheese, olives, omelette/menemen, greens, bread, freshly squeezed fruit juice made at home, and cereal, to name a few, should be present.
Nutritional habits to be maintained throughout life. occurs in this phase. That's why the family or the dietician should definitely give nutrition education to the child, and the food pyramids will help the child remember things. Different methods should be used during education.
On average, 6 meals (breakfast, mid-morning, lunch, afternoon, evening and nightsha) will be sufficient to ensure the healthy growth and development of the child.
Diversity should be included in the diet and foods from the 4 food groups should be taken in sufficient quantities. Thus, the incidence of food and nutritional deficiencies is reduced.
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