Anaemia

Anaemia is common in children and reflects low levels of iron in the blood. Low levels of iron may be due to chronic blood loss from causes such as, recurrent nosebleeds, bleeding from the intestinal tract, or a heavy menstrual flow in adolescent girls.

Low levels of iron may also result from insufficient iron in the child's daily food intake. The chief sources of dietary iron include, leafy green vegetables, wholegrain products, eggs, and red meat.

Constipation

Constipation can be a problem for all age groups, infants, children, and adults. Once the food residues are retained in the bowel for a longer period than normal, the continued absorption of fluid causes the stool to become firmer and more difficult to evacuate. A healthy diet with significant fiber and adequate fluid intake is essential for normal bowel activity.

Although it is ideal to obtain adequate fiber from the diet, it may be necessary to prescribe medication containing soluble fiber.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are often due to underlying emotional or psychological problems.

In and effort to relieve stress or discomfort, many of these patients indulge in either overeating, or refusal to eat.

Eating disorders in childhood may continue into adulthood. Therefore it is essential that treatment includes both psychological counseling, as well as dietary measures. It is important for these patients to obtain good nutrition in order to maintain their general health, and it is also vital that they receive help to build their self-esteem, and to improve their problem solving skills.

Obesity and High Cholesterol

An increasing number of children suffer from obesity and obesity-related health problems. The Department of Health has reported an increase of 11.8% in childhood obesity, boys more often effected than girls.

The Chinese University research center reports that around 33% of obese children experience difficulty in breathing while sleeping, whereas only some 5% of children with normal weight have the same problem.

Childhood obesity leads to chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. This is a matter of great public health concern.

Obesity also effects a child's confidence and self esteem.

Lack of exercise and a diet high in fats, salt, and sugar, leads to high cholesterol levels. Excess lipids are deposited in the walls of blood vessels, and the resultant narrowing eventually causes heart disease and stroke.

Proper weight management in obese children aims to produce a gradual loss of weight, while at the same time, ensuring an intake of all the nutrients necessary for healthy growth and development. Once the child's weight is within the normal range according to age, height, and body type ratio, it is essential that a weight maintenance program is followed.

Picky Eating Habits and Inappropriate Snacks

Children often choose a diet high in calories and fat, but such diets are deficient in fiber, potassium, calcium, antioxidants and vitamins. Such poor eating habits may lead to hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, and cancer in later years.

Healthy snacks are necessary if the pre-school child's nutritional needs are to be met. Sound eating habits ensure normal growth, maturation of motor skills, and development of intellectual independence.

Imagination, curiosity, and a desire to explore the environment, all peak during the pre-school years. Food likes and dislikes become prominent, and food acquires a greater social significance.
Early evidence of increasing independence in Pre-school children is seen in their determination to choose their own food.

It is important to provide sound guidelines early, not only to ensure adequate nutrition, but in order to establish proper eating habits that will last a lifetime.