Child malnutrition and prevention

(Baonghean) - Malnutrition (MS) is a condition in which the body is not provided with enough energy for development, especially during the fastest and most important period of development of the child (the fetal period and the first 5 years of life). Children with MS will grow slowly, have slow intellectual development, be stunted and are susceptible to diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia and other epidemics. Malnutrition prevention must be carried out in every family with understanding and care about nutrition.

Early detection of children with malnutrition by: regularly weighing the child, measuring height and recording growth charts (children under 2 years old). This is the earliest and best measure to detect children with malnutrition, especially when they are sick. Normally, a newborn weighs 2.8-3.5 kg/month. From the second year, each year increases by 1.5 kg, the first year weighs the child monthly on a certain day, the second year weighs the child quarterly, the third year onwards weighs the child every 6 months. If the child's weight is below the above weight and the chart line is below the normal line (channels B, C, D), the child has signs of malnutrition. In addition, the child also has symptoms: flabby skin, thin, brittle hair, digestive disorders; severe cases may have edema or atrophy, night blindness, corneal ulcers...

To prevent malnutrition in children, pregnant women must eat a balanced diet, work and rest properly. Take iron tablets regularly. Get enough tetanus vaccinations. Make sure your weight during pregnancy and birth increases by 8-12 kg. Plan your births to have the conditions to take care of your children. Children are breastfed early in the first hour, breastfed for the first 4 months and continue to breastfeed until they are 2 years old, combined with reasonable supplementary feeding with enough 4 groups of nutrients according to the food square. Children need to be fully vaccinated and on schedule, and their weight must be monitored regularly. In case of malnutrition, if it is mild, they should be cared for at home. In case of concomitant diseases, they must be treated at a medical facility, but they must continue to breastfeed more than if they are breastfed. Feed your children many meals a day, with thinner, softer food for easier digestion, and drink more fruit juice every day. Keep your children clean, bathe them daily with warm water. Give your child medication as directed by your doctor. Always keep your child close to you. If you notice unusual signs such as coughing, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, or signs of worsening illness while caring for your child, you must take your child to a medical facility for examination and treatment promptly.

Thu Hien