Middle Childhood Health Concerns
Hearing Vision Teeth Obesity
Hearing
- awareness of mid-range sounds develop first
- untreated ear infections cause permanent hearing loss
- eustachain tube changes position
- prevents bacteria from moving mouth to ear
Vision
- see object with eyes at same time
- focus ability improves
- close-up vision improves
- nearsightedness is most common problem
- close-up work increases chances of nearsightedness
- 25% need vision corrected by end of school
Teeth
- children begin losing baby teeth
- central incisors are first to go
- by 12 all baby teeth are replaced
- teeth big at first; facial bones grow
- may become self-conscious because of appearance
- decay may occur if poor dental hygiene
Obesity
- if weight is 20% more than average
- impacts emotional health
- may lack self-esteem
- inherited or caused by environmental factors
- behaviors need to change to eliminate problem