Middle Childhood Health Concerns
Miranda Partain
Hearing
- Mid-range sound recognition is the first to develop
- Ear infections may become an issue
- may cause hearing damage if left untreated - # of ear infections decreases with age
- structural changes in the body help this
- Eustachian tube changes position (connects middle ear to throat)
- helps bacteria and liquid stay out of ear
Vision
By age 6 ...
- children are ready to read
- most children can see with both eyes
- focusing ability improves
- many children are farsighted
- some are nearsighted - close up vision improves by middle childhood
- 25% of children may need vision correction
- eye checkups are very important
- helps to detect any visionary problems
Teeth
- begin losing baby teeth
- central incisors fall out first (upper & lower front teeth)
- 20 primary teeth are replaced with permanent teeth
- become self-conscious
- attention to change may make child uncomfortable
- occurs in children with poor dental hygiene
- children in poor health are at a higher risk
- higher diet in sugar also puts children at risk
- brush teeth with children after each meal
- eat balanced diet, not high in sugar
- encourage parents to take children to check ups
Obesity
- characterized by excess body fat
- affects 25% of school age children
- obese children are often teased
- may have fewer friends
- last to be selected for activities
-may lack self-esteem
- environment is a contributing factor (overeating family members)
- abuse, death, alcoholism, or divorce
- may watch more television
- parents should encourage exercise
- healthy eating should be encouraged