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- 1. Health Issues and YOUR Child • Obesity 1 in 4 children • Asthma 1 in 9 children • Mental Health 14% of children • Partnerships and prevention • Early detection • Management strategies
- 2. Obesity Patterns • 1 in 4 children are overweight or obese • Children in rural/ remote areas are more likely to be obese • Adult obesity 10% increase since 1995 • Strong relationship between adult and child obesity Causes • Home environment • Lack of physical activity • Emotional eating • Genetics • Irregular sleeping pattern Effects • 80% of obese children become obese adults • Diabetes • Heart disease • Sleep apnea • Low self esteem • High blood pressure
- 3. AsthmaPatterns • Breathlessness, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing • Can improve with age • Most common cause of child hospital visits • 10% of Australians are affected • More common in Indigenous children and boys Causes • Cold air, pollen, dust, illness • Stress, anger, worry • Cigarette smoke • Diet Effect Short term • chest tightness • pale clammy skin • fatigue • rapid breathing Long term • respiratory diseases
- 4. Mental Health Issues Patterns • Think, behave, interact • Increasing14% of children • Internalising • Externalising • More common in boys Causes Effect • Short term spiral into long term • Life crippling • Academically detrimental
- 5. Physical benefits of Physical Activity • Half an hour a day= • Reduced risk of heart attack • Lower blood cholesterol • Lower risk of Type2 diabetes • Stronger bones, muscles, joints • Healthy body weight • Healthy body functions • Increased energy • Enhanced mood • Relaxes tension • Improves sleeping patterns
- 6. Psychological and Social benefits of Physical Activity • Improved self confidence and self esteem • Sense of achievement • Support network • Reduce anxiety and depression • Increased awareness of self and others • Pro-social behavior • Manages ADHD
- 7. The role of your school
- 8. Education • Child friendly knowledge and skills • Independence in health knowledge, skills and actions • HOW, WHAT, WHY? Healthy Harold • Age appropriate education • Positive healthy life choices • Reduce unhealthy behaviors Crunch and Sip • Fruit & water from lunch box • Boosts physical and mental performance
- 9. Physical Activities at School NSW Premiers Sporting Challenge • MORE student, MORE active, MORE often • Teachers and students • Skill and behavior development Sporting Schools • Baseball, gymnastics, athletics, etc. • Professional and volunteer coaching • Fun and supportive environment
- 10. Working With Your Childs Teacher • Communication • Partnership • NSW Department of Education and Communities -accessible to parents via the internet • Work with school services • Work together to achieve your childs best health
- 11. Reference List
Editor's Notes
- Through this presentation, I’m hoping to provide you with some insight into the major health issues impacting your children, such as obesity, asthma and mental health, and how you can work with your school community to identify, manage and prevent these issues. Like all health issues, the earlier these issues are detected the better, because the earlier we detect issues like obesity, the sooner we can implement management strategies (Ruskin, Proctor & Neeves, 2013, p. 75). Across all Australian schools, the health of children is considered to be absolutely paramount, meaning schools are actively implementing numerous policies and strategies from both government and non-governments organisations, to identify and improve these health issues. One of the main points I want to convey is how you can work with your children’s school and teacher to encourage physical activity amongst your children to combat these issues.
- The first major health issue for children I'm going to talk about is obesity. Patterns: Did you know that one in four Australian children are overweight or obese (Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing, 2015), meaning in a standard class of 22, obesity is affecting roughly one fifth of the students, which is quite an alarming statistic. What's more alarming is that people living in regional or remote areas are 15% more likely to be overweight or obese than those living in major cities (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2015). Obesity amongst Australian adults has actually increased by 10% since 1995. So what do rates of adult obesity have to do with childhood obesity? Actually, A LOT. Causes: One of the biggest causes of obesity is environment, specifically the home environment. Family eating patterns have a major influence on the risk of obesity. If your child has constant access to foods of high energy and low nutritional value, such as potato chips, chocolate and cordial, naturally, they are going to eat it. We need to be mindful of providing foods that are free of preservatives and flavors, and high in good fibers and minerals. Obesity is simply a result of consuming high amounts of energy and not expending them. Our children spend roughly 2.5 hours watching tv, playing the computer or video games (Better Health Channel (BHC), 2015), which seem to have replaced physical activities. Some children are more susceptible to obesity than others due to genetics, which just means we need to be more mindful of healthy food choices and physical activity. You’ve all heard of ‘comfort eating,’ well believe it or not, but children actually do this too, to cope with overwhelming stresses and emotions, or simply just boredom. Irregular sleep patterns also increase the risk of childhood obesity due to alteration of appetite regulating hormones (BHC, 2015). SO, what does all of this mean for your child? Effect Childhood obesity can become quite dangerous, as the immediate health effects involve increased risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, bone and joint conditions and even some cancers, such as breast cancer (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), 2015). Sleep apnea and poor self-esteem are also common amongst obese children (CDCP), 2015). Roughly 80% of obese adolescents will become overweight or obese adults. The longer obesity continues, the more severe and dangerous it becomes (Dietz, 1998). High blood pressure, commonly coexists with adult obesity, due to high fatty tissues in the body increasing the hearts workload, which can lead to heart disease (CDCP, 2015). And sadly, heart disease is a terminal illness.
- Patters Most people think of asthma as being occasional episodes of breathlessness, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing (National Asthma Council Australia (NACA), 2015), when actually these symptoms are more like the ‘tip of the iceberg’ of a long-term inflammatory lung condition, even when symptoms are not present (NACA, 2015). For most children, asthma will improve with age. Asthma amongst children can be quite scary, and is one of the most common causes of hospital visits for school children (Asthma Australia (AA), 2015). Roughly 10% of Australians are affected by asthma (AA, 2015), which is actually quite a high rate globally (AIHW, 2015). However, only 5-10% of children with asthma have persistent asthma or constant symptoms (NACA, 2015). Childhood asthma is more common amongst Indigenous children and more common amongst boys than girls, however overall childhood asthma rates have decreased by roughly 40% in the last fifteen years (Ruskin, Proctor & Neeves, 2013, p. 70). Causes: Because asthma is related to sensitivity of the lungs, children's asthma is often triggered by factors such as cold air, viral or respiratory infections (common cold), physical activity, dust and air pollens (Ruskin, Proctor & Neeves, 2013, p. 71). Asthma symptoms occur when the flow of air inside the lungs becomes restricted due to swollen and narrower airways (NACA, 2015). Asthma symptoms can also be triggered by emotions such as stress anger or worry. Exposure to cigarette smoke inside the home accounts for 11% of childhood asthma, and smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of childhood asthma. Prevalence of asthma has also been linked to modern diets. Effect The short term effects of childhood asthma include wheezing, coughing, tightness of the chest, pale clammy skin, fatigue and rapid breathing. The long term effects of asthma are far more serious, as short term effects can lead to respiratory diseases such as Bronchiectasis (NACA, 2015).
- Patterns Mental health issues affect how people think, behave and interact with others (Ruskin, Proctor & Neeves, 2013, p. 57). Mental health amongst children is becoming more prevalent, with roughly 14% of children suffering some kind of mental illness (Kids Matter, 2015). Children’s mental health issues are generally classified as being either internalising or externalising, Children with internalising mental health issues are often nervous or have an anxious temperament, tend to be worried and withdrawn, Children with externalising difficulties tend to show uncontrolled behaviors such as challenging temperament and impulsive or reactive behaviors (Kids Matter, 2015). Children with ADHD often show severe externalising difficulties. Mental health issues amongst children are more common in boys than girl, An alarming statistic is that only one in four children with a mental health issue have received professional help (New South Wales Department of Health (NSWDH), 2015). Causes I’ve divided the causes of mental health issues into three categories: Firstly, biological, including poor physical health, disability, difficult temperament and genetic vulnerabilities, Psychological, including low self-esteem, negative thoughts, poor or undeveloped coping skills, isolation and trauma including a family death, Thirdly, social, including school failure, family circumstances such as divorce or a harsh discipline style and rejection from peers (Kids Matter, 2015). Many of the causes of mental health issues over lap, which is why mental health issues after often very complex. Effects Many of the behaviors related to children’s mental health issues such as aggressive behavior or reclusiveness only worsen with time, and thus, can become extremely serious in the future (NSWDH, 2015). Many of the causes of mental health issues such as low self-esteem, isolation, difficult temperament and inability to cope with stresses can become long term effects, and can literally cripple the everyday life of sufferers. For example, a child with low self-esteem may isolate them self from peers due to being unable to cope with the emotional and social stresses of interaction, which can spiral into their teen and adult life and affect areas such as attaining a job and making healthy emotional connections with others. Poor performance at school is often linked to mental health issues such as low-self esteem and not wanting to answer questions due to the fear of being wrong, or acting out to gain attention (Kids Matter, 2015).
- The physical benefits of physical activity are endless, and children generally enjoy playing, running and jumping, which makes it quite easy to encourage physical activity. Engaging in physical activity for as little as half an hour a day reduces the risk of heart attack, lowers blood cholesterol, lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes, lowers blood pressure and strengthens bones, muscles and joints (Northern Territory Government Department of Health, 2015). Engaging in regular physical activity also helps children to maintain a healthy body weight which as I discussed earlier is one of the key health issues for children (Department of Health, 2015). The body needs physical activity to maintain healthy and proper functioning, as it increases energy levels, enhances the mood, relaxes us and also helps us to sleep better at night (Department of Health, 2015).
- Involvement in physical activity is a great way of develop self confidence and self esteem, as it allows children to gain a sense of achievement, such as kicking a goal, leaning to dribble a basketball or catch with one hand (McDevitt, Ormrod, Cupit, Chandler & Aloa, 2013, pp. 58-60). There are lots of different types of sports and physical activities, so its important to find a few that your child is best suited to. Exercise can actually help control some of the negative effects of mental illness such as anxiety and depression through providing a support network and a sense of belonging. Children can also feed off each others energy and enthusiasm (Australian Sports Commission, 2015). Being part of a team also challenges children to think about their own and each others feelings, which aids the development of key social and emotional skills. Providing children with activities also lessens their boredom and reduces antisocial behavior such as sitting infront of a tv screen (Australian Sports Commission, 2015). Children who suffer from conditions such as ADHD or anger management can also benefit from expending excess energy an stresses through physical activity (Kids Matter, 2015).
- Achieving and maintaining better health for your children should be a team effort between you, your child’s school and the wider community.
- One of the main roles your school can play in improving and maintaining your children’s health is through educating them. Children love new knowledge and taking ownership of their own leaning and health decisions. In order for children to engage in meaningful physical activity and healthy eating, they need to be aware of what to do, how to do it an why they are doing it. Schools are made to educate and thus provide knowledge and skills to children so they can practice and implement healthy behaviors on their own. I’m going to run through a few school directed educational programs that are really beneficial in terms of health education. Healthy Harold is an Australia wide program that uses age appropriate education to assist children in making positive and healthy life choices (Life Education Australia, 2015). Healthy Harold partners with schools to help achieve health outcomes such as reducing tobacco and alcohol use and also illegal drug use (Life Education Australia, 2015). Teachers also implement healthy behaviors into the classroom such as the crunch and sip program, which is a break from work where children can eat fruit and drink water in the classroom (Healthy Kids, 2015). This healthy snack break actually boosts physical and mental performance in the classroom.
- Encouragement of physical activity and actually engaging in physical activity in schools is how children develop majority of their knowledge about the benefits of being active. As I discussed earlier, physical activity is crucial for healthy development not only physically, but also socially and emotionally. The NSW premiers sporting challenge is a great way to engage the whole class in physical activity. The challenge aims to have “more students, more active, more often” (New South Wales Education and Communities (NSWEC), 2012), to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle. The initiative involves a 10 week sport and physical activity challenge where both students ad teachers work on developing skills and behaviors for a healthy active lifestyle (NSWEC, 2012). Sporting Schools is Australia’s largest school based sports participation program that enables students to engage with various sports such as AFL, baseball, gymnastics and athletics, in hope of getting Australian children active in their local communities (Sporting Schools, 2015). The program offers professional and volunteer coaches and access to equipment in a fun and supportive environment (Sporting Schools, 2015).
- Teachers play a crucial role in improving the health status of children, as they are one of the most directly influential people in your childs life for a whole year of learning (Dr. N. Mackenzie, personal communication, April 28, 2015), so it’s really important to communicate with your childs teacher about health issues and concerns so they can help. Teachers gain their knowledge about health, including nutrition, physical activity, allergies and health issues through educational bodies such as the NSW Department of Education and Communities, which is also accessible to parents. Health educated teachers are also quite good at recognising health issues or concerns that may be affecting your child and have knowledge of resources and services that can be utilised both at school and at home. For example, if your child is suffering from a mental health issue like social anxiety, teachers will recommend consulting with the school councilor so you can work together in making your childs school life more enjoyable. The last thing I want to say is remember that your childs school and classroom teacher are both working with you to achieve the best health outcomes for your child. If you have any questions, concerns or doubts about your childs health or their health education, don’t hesitate to communicate with your childs teacher or school.
- Asthma Australia. (2015). Children and asthma. Retrieved from http://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/Asthma_and_children.aspx Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2015). Overweight and obesity. Retrieved from http://www.aihw.gov.au/overweight-and-obesity/ Australian Sports Commission. (2015). Participating in sport: Social benefits. Retrieved from http://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/schools_and_juniors/resources/issues/social_benefits Better Health Channel. (2015). Obesity in children-causes. Retrieved from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Obesity_in_children?open Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Adolescent and school health. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm Department of Health. (2015). Benefits of physical activity. Retrieved from http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Nutrition_and_Physical_Activity/Physical_Activity/Benefits_of_Physical_Activity/index.aspx Dietz, W. (1998). Health consequences of obesity in youth: Childhood predictors of adult disease. Retrieved from http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/101/Supplement_2/518.short Healthy Kids. (2015). Crunch & sip. Retrieved from http://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/campaigns-programs/crunch-sip.aspx Kids Matter. (2015). How mental health difficulties affects children. Retrieved from https://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/families/about-mental-health/should-i-be-concerned/how-mental-health-difficulties-affect-children-0 Life Education Australia. (2015). Healthy Harold. Retrieved from https://www.healthyharold.org.au/organisation.aspx McDevitt, M. T., Ormrod, J. E., Cupit, G., Chandler, M., & Aloa, V. (2013). Child development and education. Australia: Pearson Australia Group. Mental Health Commission. (2010). What is mental health?. Retrieved from http://www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au/mental_illness_and_health/mh_whatis.aspx New South Wales Education and Communities. (2015). NSW premier’s sporting challenge. Retrieved from https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/psc/home.html Ruskin, R., Proctor, K., & Neeves, D. (2013). Outcomes 2: Personal development, health and physical education (5 th ed.). Queens Land: John Wiley & Sons Australia.