Healthy Development of Children

November 21 12:18 2016 Print This Article

Foundation for your child’s healthy development

Growing children need a lot of nutrition for the development of their bones and muscles.

The key to the healthy growth of a child is three-fold:

1.Sleep

A growing child needs a minimum of 10 hours of sleep per day and sleep can affect children in the following ways:

Sleep promotes growth: Growth hormone is secreted during sleep. So, adequate sleep is required for a healthy growth of children.

It affects weight: Evidence shows that children who sleep for short hours tend to become overweight.

It fends off germs: During sleep, factors that promote immunity in the body are generated and sufficient sleep is required for the full immune system development.

2. Nutrition

Avoid processed food that has preservatives and food that has artificial sweeteners.

• Milk – 1 glass, Yoghurt – 1 cup, Tofu – 1.5 ounces, Cheese – 1 ounce, frozen yoghurt and ice cream – 2 cups. These food items will give your child the adequate calcium required.
• The amount of calcium a person needs varies according to age, but an average child requires 1000 micrograms of calcium per day.
• Magnesium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K will aid the regulation of calcium. Try to make your kids eat foods that are rich in these components.

3. Exercise

• Studies have shown that kids who are physically active have better brain development and have the ability to grasp things faster.
• One hour of physical activity per day is essential for the healthy development of a child’s bones.
• Children who exercise have stronger muscles and they have a leaner body. They are less likely to get fat and type two diabetes is prevented. Their mind is more active and they can learn faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much sleep does my child need for healthy growth?

Children need a minimum of 10 hours of sleep each day. Adequate sleep promotes growth, boosts immunity, and helps maintain a healthy weight.

2. What foods should I include in my child’s diet for better bone health?

Include calcium-rich foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, and tofu, along with foods rich in magnesium and vitamins D and K. These help in bone development and overall growth.

3. How does physical activity contribute to my child’s development?

Regular physical activity enhances brain development, strengthens muscles, and helps prevent obesity and diabetes. Aim for at least 1 hour of exercise per day.

4. Can lack of sleep affect my child’s immunity?

Yes, insufficient sleep can hinder the body’s immune system development. Proper sleep helps in boosting immunity and overall health.

5. What role does nutrition play in my child’s growth?

Nutrition is essential for healthy growth. A balanced diet with sufficient calcium, vitamins, and minerals supports bone development, muscle growth, and energy levels.

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801

Updated on 27^th Dec 2024