Health and Nutrition Issues of School-Age Children
School-age children (7-12 years) experience a critical time where physical activity levels remain high, yet their nutritional requirements can be overlooked. As children shift from early childhood, their growth patterns slow; however, the need for adequate nutrition is still essential to support their daily activities and developmental milestones.
Despite an overall decrease in communicable diseases, every child faces two significant challenges: undernutrition and overnutrition. Undernutrition remains a considerable threat, especially for children from low socioeconomic backgrounds, leading to poor school performance and increased vulnerability to various health issues.
On the flip side, obesity is a growing epidemic among children from higher socioeconomic standings, primarily attributed to diets high in sugars and fats coupled with sedentary lifestyles. This rise in obesity correlates with increased occurrences of Type II diabetes and hypertension in children.
Nutritional requirements for this age group differ by age and gender, with boys and girls needing varied amounts of calories, proteins, calcium, and iron to support growth. Therefore, it is imperative to provide balanced meals that meet daily dietary values.
Government initiatives, like the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS), have demonstrated the potential to improve children's health and academic performance by ensuring that they receive at least one nutritious meal a day in schools. These challenges underscore the need for comprehensive strategies encompassing education, health checks, and nutritional support to enhance children's well-being and development in both urban and rural settings.