Health Concerns of Middle Childhood
Reghan Polimeni
Hearing
- Ear infections can be a health concern
- If left untreated can cause permanent hearing loss
- Awareness of mid range sounds develop first
- Followed by high and low range sounds
- By age 11 most kids have the auditory awareness of adults
- The Eustachian tube has changed position
- This change helps prevent fluid from the mouth going into the ear
Vision
- By age six kids are ready to read
- They can see an object with both eyes at the same time
- Their ability to focus improves
- Many preschool children are farsighted
- Throughout middle childhood, nearsightedness is most common
- 25% of kids will need to have their vision corrected by the end of school years
- It is important to have vision checked regularly
Teeth
- During middle childhood, kids begin losing baby teeth
- The first teeth to fall out are central incisors
- By the age of 12, all primary teeth will be replaced with permanent teeth
- Tooth loss can have a psychological effect on some kids
- A common health problem for school-age children is tooth decay
- Children with poor dental hygiene are more likely to get cavities
- A diet high in sugar can also cause cavities
Obesity
- Obesity affects about 25% of school-age children
- Being obese can seriously impact a child's emotional health
- For some kids, the tendency to be obese is inherited
- Some children overeat due to family stress
- Children's eating habits can be affected by abuse, death of a family member, alcoholism, or divorce
- Many children are obese due to physical inactivity
- These children may need help overcoming emotional problems