Nutrition Interventions for Children with Special Health Care Needs

Section 1 - Determination of Nutrition Status
associated with childhood obesity that can impact one’s health for a lifetime. Into
adulthood, obese children and adolescents can have associated conditions including
asthma, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, musculoskeletal complications, psychosocial
stigmas, and sleep apnea (10).
In addition to healthy eating habits and decreasing sedentary activities, regular
physical activity is a primary strategy for preventing obesity. Of the limited studies
on the use of both exercise and nutrition education as an approach to addressing
childhood obesity, efficacy of this combination has been reported. An important
finding was that an educational approach focusing on exercise and nutrition
empowers both children and their families to make better lifestyle choices around
activity participation and food selections. Improved lifestyle choices equate with
improved health over a lifetime (11).
Benefits of Physical Activity for Children With Asthma
Another group likely to experience limitations in exercise and physical activity is
children with asthma, one of the most prevalent disorders in childhood. To avoid
the common unpleasant feelings of shortness of breath and exercise-induced
bronchospasm (EIB), some children with asthma self-limit their physical activities.
Restricting physical activities can contribute to muscle deconditioning and lowered
levels of fitness, as well as limit participation in play and recreation with peers.
By preventing or managing EIB, many children and adolescents with asthma can
safely participate in physical activities and sports. Prevention and management
strategies may include identification and control of triggers (e.g. allergens,
prolonged physical activity [especially in cold weather], respiratory tract infections),
medications, and modification of physical activities. Modifications may include
longer warm-up and cool-down periods, modifying activity intensity, training and
conditioning to prepare for physical activity, and monitoring the environment
to minimize asthma triggers. A team approach to asthma management is
recommended, with all the adults involved in the care of the child participating. An
asthma-management plan should also include the physical education (PE) teacher at
school, as modifications may be necessary for participation and enjoyment.
Research shows that physical activity for children with asthma not only improves
fitness, but may also have a positive effect on perceived physical competence and
coping with asthma (12,13). Study participants tolerated the training programs
well, and led the authors to recommend organized sports activities with short and
intense bouts of muscle work for children with stable asthma. Parents of children in
Nutrition Interventions for Children With Special Health Care Needs 41