“Good Nutrition is a foundation of a child’s survival, health, and development”.
What are your insights on this quote?
I agree with the given quote as it describes proper adequate nutrition as a critical part of growth and development. Although in the quote only the child is mentioned, it is important to also consider the nutrition received during pregnancy as it also contributes to the health benefits that children would get from birth up until adulthood.
Since the quote describes good nutrition as the foundation for survival, health and development of a child, we should look all the way back to before a baby is conceived. A woman in her reproductive years must ensure that her nutrition is adequate in order to prepare herself for child bearing. One example is taking folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy. Along with a healthy and varied diet, taking supplements will help prevent birth defects such as neural tube defects (NHS, 2020). From this alone, we can see how good nutrition serves as the foundation of a healthy life.
Once a baby is born, correct feeding especially in the first three years of life should be done in order to lower morbidity and mortality. It reduces the risk for chronic diseases developed throughout their lifespan (WHO, n.d.). Infancy is where humans develop the fastest. The brain is rapidly developing and it uses a lot of energy to keep it functioning. Optimal nutrition can fuel brain growth and development laying once again the foundation of a child’s cognitive and motor skills, as well as social and emotional development.
Unfortunately due to various factors such as poverty, war, and natural disasters, many children in the first 1000 days are denied of a good nutrition making them susceptible to developing chronic diseases. Many of them have to suffer from stunting and wasting because they do not get the nutrients they need. This hinders their development and increases the risk of death. That is why as student nurses, we should advocate for good nutrition even in small ways such as teaching how whole minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grain provide our children the nutrients they need for optimal growth and development.
REFERENCES
NHS. (2020, February 14). VItamins, supplements and nutrition in pregnancy. Retrieved from NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vitamins-supplements-and-nutrition/
WHO. (2019, November 14). Infant Nutrition. Retrieved from World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/health-topics/infant-nutrition#tab=tab_1