Running Head: NUTRITION 1

Nutrition

63-277

0233792

0603986

0603645

St. Clair College

Professor. S. Sheets

March 1, 2011
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Nutrition

The topic we have chosen is nutrition of children between the ages of 6 to 12 years.

There has been an increase in obesity during the past few years related to unhealthy eating habits

and decreased activity level. The brochure has been made for the parents of young children and

for the young children to follow along. Incorporated in the brochure are facts pertaining to the

benefits of healthy nutrition such as the vitamins and minerals essential for growth. With these

facts, there are information describing the advantages and disadvantage of food choices. The

Canadian Food Guide helps describe the four food groups essential for proper daily functioning

and development. With the amount of food allergies increasing, parents must increase their

knowledge on the types of foods that are indicative of allergic reactions. Many parents have

children who only prefer to eat certain things. In the brochure are tips for fussy eaters. This

offers ideas to parents to have tricks to help introduce new food or food that is not liked so much,

to their children. There are resources available on the last slide of the pamphlet. This is offered

as additional information concerning healthy choices. If parents have any questions, these

resources can be accessed by simply visiting their websites or by calling by telephone.

As concerned student nurses, we would like to see the rate of child obesity change within

the next few years. This would benefit to health conditions for the future years of those children.

With healthy eating and daily exercise, children can grow towards a healthier lifestyle. We

would like to the statistics of child obesity decrease, thus the reason why this pamphlet was

created. Health is an important aspect for living, and as nurses, it is our goal to be educators to

make change and to make a difference in the lives around us.

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Reference

Ball, G., Marshall, J., & McCargar, L. (2005). Physical activity, aerobic fitness, self-perception,

and dietary intake in at risk of overweight and normal weight children. Canadian Journal

of Dietetic Practice & Research, 66(3), 162-169. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Geoff Ball and colleagues from the University of Alberta studied the physical activity,

aerobic fitness, self-perception, and diet of at risk of overweight and normal weight children.

Coming from various backgrounds such as pediatrics, agriculture, and physical education, Ball

and colleagues examined children within the ages of six to ten years old boys and girls who are

at risk of becoming overweight as well as boys and girls who have a normal weight. The children

in the study were studied for a period of twelve months. The participant’s anthropometry,

activity level, aerobic fitness, self- perception, and diet were assessed during the starting, third,

sixth, and twelfth month. The study identified that the children with normal are more active,

physically fit, and socially accepted compared to their overweight peers. Between both genders,

the study identified no differences initially but it does appear overtime. Overall, the found that

boys consumed more total energy, fat, carbohydrates, and proteins than girls. The study also

identified that the diets the children consumed have included low quantities of vegetables, fruits,

and meats and alternatives. The diets also have high quantities of “other” foods. This article

relates to our topic by focusing on how physical activity and nutrition interact with each other in

a child’s overall health. Our pamphlet promotes healthy nutrition in children.

Bernier, C., Kozyrskyj, A., Benoit, C., Becker, A., & Marchessault, G. (2010). Body image and

dieting attitudes among preadolescents. Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice &

Research, 71(3), 122. doi:10.3148/71.3.2010.122

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Crystal D. Bernier and colleagues, coming from various medical backgrounds such as

Community Health Sciences, Sociology, Pediatrics and Immunology as well as Members of their

respective Faculty of Medicine, draw attention to a major issue among preadolescents. Their

study dealt with the issue of body image and dieting. The study’s initial assumption is that girls

would have greater concern about their body size, report higher incidence of dieting and get

numerous recommendations from their family. Their study compared the children’s body

perceptions, dieting attitudes, and family and peer influences. The result of their study identified

that only thirty nine percent of the participants’ desires to be slimmer than their current figure as

well as children in the lowest BMI percentile desired the greatest changes in their body shape.

However, the study did have weaknesses which made the study lose credibility regarding their

results. The biases from the answers could have been avoided by actually having the participants

answer the questions privately. This study offers context for analyzing how the body perception

and dieting affects the preadolescent boys and girls. The study relates to our topic as it discusses

the results of poor nutrition. It also illuminates the reality of the body image issues amongst

preadolescents. The disadvantage poor physical appearance resulting from poor nutrition can

also lead to children having low self esteem.

Canada's Food Guide. (2007, February 5). Retrieved February 22, 2011, from Health Canada

website: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/basics-base/index-eng.php

Canada’s Food Guide, from Health Canada, is a guide that helps define and promote

healthy eating for Canadians. It provides Canadians a healthy eating pattern by translating the

science behind nutrition and health. Canada’s food guide emphasizes the healthy eating habits

and becoming physically active. Compliance to the recommendations of the food guide will help

decrease the risk from developing obesity and chronic decreases such as type two diabetes and
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osteoporosis. The Food Guide outlines the amount of food people need as well as the different

kinds of food that are part of a healthy eating pattern. The Food Guide describes an eating pattern

that includes foods that belong to the four food groups as well as a specific quantity of oils and

fats. An overall good health and vitality will be achieved when the eating pattern from the

Canada’s Food Guide is followed. The Food Guide relates to our topic by providing a context for

a healthy eating pattern. Canada’s Food Guide was utilized in out topic as the source of the

information regarding the recommended food serving for children. The Information available in

our pamphlet is consistent with the information provided by Canada’s Food Guide.

Food Allergies and Intolerances. (2010, November 16). Retrieved February 22, 2011, from

Health Canada website: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/allerg/index-eng.php

Food allergies affect both children and adults alike. Health Canada provides information

on food allergies and intolerances. There are four major definitions related to allergies and

intolerances that Health Canada defines which are: food sensitivy; food allergies; food

intolerances; and chemical sensitivies. These definitions differentiate the types of reactions

individuals have when they come in contact with food or different chemicals. For individuals

with allergies, avoiding specific types of foods, ingredients, and consumer products is a

substantial health challenge. As these individuals come into contact with an allergen, they may

present symptoms that instantaneously cascades from mild to severe which includes having

trouble with speaking, breathing, and swallowing, anaphylactic shock and death. This relates to

our topic as by highlighting the detrimental effects of allergic reaction to the health of an

individual. It also highlights the precautions individuals with allergies must do such as reading

the food labels for ingredients used to prepare the food. Our pamphlet provides information

regarding allergies which are consistent to the information provided by Health Canada.
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Gillis, L., & Gillis, A. (2005). Nutrient inadequacy in obese and non-obese youth. Canadian

Journal of Dietetic Practice & Research, 66(4), 237-242. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Linda Gillis, MSc, RD and colleague Aubrey Gillis, studied the nutritional intake of both

obese and non-obese youth. The study utilized standard intake reference to evaluate the

nutritional intake of the study group. The study identified that both the obese and non-obese

groups had similar results. Both groups had nutritional inadequacies for vitamin E, magnesium,

calcium, and vitamin D. Inadequate amounts of these vitamins and minerals may cause

detrimental effects on the body. The study also found the obese group consumed one hundred

and twenty four percent of their estimated energy need thirty two percent of the energy came

from fat, while the non-obese group consumed one hundred seven percent, thirty one percent

came from fat. Overall, the study found both the obese and non-obese group to have inadequate

nutrient intake. This relates to our topic as it brings to light the issue of nutritional inadequacy in

children. It is important for any child to meet all of their nutrient needs. This can be achieved by

providing healthy food choices to children. Our pamphlet offers tips and a sample healthy snack

meal to the readers.

Hoerr, S., Utech, A., & Ruth, E. (2005). Child control of food choices in Head Start families.

Journal of Nutrition Education & Behavior, 37(4), 185-190. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Sharon Hoerr and colleagues from the Michigan State University and Texas Woman’s

University with backgrounds from food science and nutrition studied the feeding practices of

head start families. The participants of the study are twenty nine parents who have limited-

income. The study found that parents find the child’s control of the meal, snack activities, and

food available in the participants households is perceived as a significant barrier to the quality of
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meal time interactions. The study also identified additional education is needed in order for

parents to implement their responsibilities in feeding their children regarding child control

barriers. The authors recommend educators to promote the importance of having regular healthy

snacks to parents since most of the participants viewed snacks to the same as junk foods. This

practice may aid in the development of the child’s appetite during meal time as well as reduce

the conflict during meal time. The article relates to out topic as it focused on the barriers families

face regarding the provision of healthy food to children. The article also addresses techniques

that can be utilized to enhance nutritional feeding to children. Our pamphlet offers techniques

that are consistent with the recommendations both by the article and Canada’s Food Guide.

Moffat, T., & Galloway, T. (2008). Food consumption patterns in elementary school children.

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice & Research, 69(3), 152-154. Retrieved from

EBSCOhost.

Tina Moffat PhD and colleague Tracey Galloway MA from the department of

anthropology of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario studied the food intake patterns in

elementary school children. They gathered a twenty four hour diet recall from each of the 92

participants in grades two to four. The data gathered was compared to the daily recommended

servings for the appropriate age group in Canada’s food guide. The study identified that most of

the students did not eat the recommended amount of daily servings for fruits and vegetables as

well as for milk products. The study also identified that the children, on average, consumed more

foods that do not belong to the four food groups such as fatty foods, sweetened foods, and

beverages. The authors recommend healthy snack programs to schools or any educational

program. The articles relates to our topic by highlighting the current trend in concerning the

consumption of foods from the four food groups among school aged children which may be
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contributing factors t a rise in the incidence of childhood obesity. The recommendations in our

pamphlet are consistent with the recommendations from Tina Moffat and Tracey Galloway.

Needham, L., Dwyer, J., Randall-Simpson, J., & Heeney, E. (2007). Supporting Healthy Eating

Among Preschoolers: challenges for child care staff. Canadian Journal of Dietetic

Practice & Research, 68(2), 107-110. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Lisa Needham, John Dwyer, Janis Randall-Simpson and Elizabeth Shaver Heeney

belong to various departments of public health research or services. The research focused on

child obesity and the major public concerns it encompasses. The study involved 29 child care

staff members. The researchers believed child care setting had an impact on preschoolers on

healthy eating habits. In order to conduct this study, three focus groups were interviewed. The

results of these interviews indicated that an intrapersonal factor which caused unhealthy eating

habits was “picky eating.” Among the interpersonal factors, it was indicated that parents lack in

encouraging their children to eat in a healthy way as well as their knowledge of daily
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recommendations is not up to date. Lastly, it was found that physical environment factors has an

effect on the perception of healthy eating not being accessible at child care centers and that

children have unhealthy food at home. Overall, it is evident that these researchers believe that

program planners and health professional can develop and implement different strategies to

prevail over the challenges in preschoolers related to eating healthy. The article relates to our

topic by identifying the risk unhealthy nutrition has on preschoolers now and for their future

years of life. More programs and advertisements for healthy nutrition need to be seen my

children in order to change their bad habits into healthy ones. Our pamphlet promotes healthy

eating in order to prevent detrimental future health conditions from occurring in children.

Physical Activity. (2011, January 20). Retrieved February 22, 2011, from Public Health Agency

of Canada website: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/hl-mvs/pa-ap/index-eng.php

The Physical Activity Guide from the Public Health Agency of Canada is a guide that

promotes getting active. Physical activity is an important part of the overall health and wellbeing

of an individual. Physical activity is also important in the individual’s quality of life.

Particularly, a physical activity in children is important as helps develop the child’s

cardiovascular fitness as well as their physical strength and increase their bone density. The

benefits from becoming physically active are important as it will last a lifetime. Thus the

Physical Activity Guide can be utilized to promote a healthier lifestyle. The guide provides

different tips on how to become active. Becoming active does not necessarily mean playing

sports or exercising but it also includes different activities of daily living such as household

chores and playing a game of four square with friends. The Physical Activity Guide relates to our

topic as the physical activity guide promotes healthy lifestyle for individuals. It is important to

have a healthy eating pattern and be physically active. The tips provided by the Physical Activity
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Guide can be utilized to start becoming physically active. Our information on physical activity in

our pamphlet is consistent with the information provided by the Physical Activity Guide.