Body Mass Index (BMI) for Children

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Concerning a child with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below or above the healthy weight range it is important to discuss with parents what unhealthy weight ranges can lead to. For children with BMI above the healthy weight range, discuss the risks of developing high LDL, low HDL, diabetes type 2, coronary heart disease, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea or breathing problems, depression, and/or anxiety (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Teaching parents to be conscious of developing a healthy lifestyle, not “a diet” prevents the child from developing an unhealthy relationship with food and low self-esteem.
Suggest involving the child in physical activities the child finds enjoyable such as sports, dance, swimming can help burn off some calories and eventually maintain a healthy weight. If the parent finds the sport inconvenient due to scheduling or is unable to afford the activity provide resources of free programs the child can be involved in or suggest taking/making time with their child at least two to three times a week to take walks, have playground time, or do fun physical activities with them outside.
During the adolescent years, there is physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual development growth. According to Edelman, C., & Kudzma, E. C., “Suicide is the second leading cause of death in adolescents [National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 2020a]. The suicide rate for adolescents (ages 15 to 19) has increased by 76% over the 10 years from 2007 to 2017 [Curtin & Heron, 2019] (p.562). When an adolescent is presenting with depression, anger, physical aggression, “too quiet” or isolation, this can stem possibly sexual abuse, bullying, and unhealthy family dynamics in the home.
Adolescents can develop risky behaviors with sexual activity, drug use/experimenting, unsafe driving, and unhealthy coping mechanisms or outlets. Initiating a conversation with an adolescent should be in a safe open space, non-judgmental, and give him/her time to share their feelings to begin finding a way to help him/her. Present positive coping mechanisms that can be fit for him/her, reading books, outdoor activities, cooking, painting, and clubs that focus on their interests. At times the teen may need some professional support.
Some environmental factor affecting middle-aged adults is exposure to chemical agents that can cause health diseases in the lungs. Either working in an industrial job or living nearby one can expose to toxic chemicals, and polluted air, or seep onto their clothing to then bring it home and expose others (Edelman, C., & Kudzma, E. C., 2022, p.638).
During the childbearing period, developmental growth is vital for the growing fetus. Nutrition is a major element for the best outcome. Some barriers can be financial. Provide education with facts on how nutrition is vital for mom and baby and provide resources for nutrition assistance. Educate on avoiding caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and processed foods. Encourage plenty of water for hydration and flushing out toxins (Edelman, C., & Kudzma, E. C., 2022, p.401).
In older adults, many states “I’m too old”, reinforce that “you are never too old” for improving habits/lifestyle to promote self-health and/or prevent health diseases. Promote safe physical activities to maintain an active lifestyle. Educate how health deterioration can develop if we do not maintain physically active. Educate on fall prevention, advise a physical assessment to evaluate if he/she needs an assistive walking device.
BSN Essential VII: Clinical Prevention and Population Health best supports the discussion on health promotion, disease preventions (The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education, 2008).
QSEN competency: Patient-centered Care supports the discussion by analyzing the factors that create barriers to patient-centered care. Further identifying and create care plan to address the barriers (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012, p.10).
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing: The Voice of Academic Nursing. (2012, September 24). Retrieved January 19, 2023, from https://www(dot)aacnnursing(dot)org/Faculty/Teaching-Resources/QSEN
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, October 21). Tips to help children maintain a healthy weight. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://www(dot)cdc(dot)gov/healthyweight/children/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, June 3). Healthy weight, nutrition, and physical activity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://www(dot)cdc(dot)gov/healthyweight/
Edelman, C., & Kudzma, E. C. (2022). Health promotion: Throughout the life span. Elsevier. https://pageburstls(dot)elsevier(dot)com/books/9780323846295
The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education - LSU Health Sciences Center ... (2008, October 20). Retrieved January 19, 2023, from https://nursing(dot)lsuhsc(dot)edu/Docs/Quality/AACN%20Essentials%20of%20Baccalaureate%20Education%20for%20Professional%20Nsg%20Practice%20(2008).pdf