Middle Childhood: Physical Health

Physical activity is a possible protective factor against

asthma development.

Asthma

: a chronic lung disease that involves episodes of airflow obstruction.

Physic health and wellness at this age has long term

health and psychosocial consequences.

In one study, a pattern of sleep problems over a 4 year period from preschool to school age was associated with

a 16-fold increase in the risk of psychosocial symptoms, problems with social interactions, and anxious/depressed mood

Overall health at this age is

strong and robust

Percentage of obesity

increases at this age compared to early childhood

School-age children may have increased autonomy over

food choices

School age children may prefer

sweet or fast foods

More screen time means

insufficient physical activity

Some improvement in

social policies on healthy eating

What are some health and psychosocial consequences?

• Diabetes, high cholesterol, cardiovascular
• Peers, bullying
• Children vulnerable to messages

Focus on maintaining

healthy eating and wellness

Need calories for

growth and energy

Balance in messages of

healthy eating

Diet culture pervasive at

younger ages, especially as media expands

More time needed for

school-age children in physical activity, outdoors

Chronic illnesses are

on the rise

What is the most common childhood chronic disease?

asthma

Exact causes of asthma are unknown, but

it is believed that it results from a hypersensitivity to environmental substances that triggers an allergic reaction.

Asthma is treated with

inhalers and medications.

Asthma is often monitored in

school

Sleep improves for most children and then

declines again as they get older and become adolescents

CDC recommends

9-12 hours of sleep

Both lack of sleep and poor sleep quality have

negative consequences for children.

What are some negative consequences of poor sleep/lack of sleep?

somatic complaints, poorer school performance, mood
disorders, motor skills problems, behavior problems