Middle Childhood

Question 1

Physical Development

Answer 1

▪ Growth slower than in earlier stages
▪ Bodies larger and stronger
▪ Physical skills easier to learn
▪ Children in developed countries have
generally good health
▪ Some chronic conditions:
▪ Asthma, cancer, diabetes, arthritis,
excessive motor activity

▪ More variation within cultures than
across cultures
▪ Variations genetically and
environmentally determined
▪ Small stature can be a social
disadvantage
▪ Excessive accumulation of body fat
▪ Overweight – 85th –94th percentile
▪ Obese – 95th percentile and above

Question 2

Nutrition

Answer 2

▪ Well-balanced diet essential for physical
activities and learning
▪ Family meals important for better
nutrition/learning
▪ 1 in 4 children in Australia are overweight or
obese causing the 2nd highest risk for later
disease

Question 3

Health & illness

Answer 3

• Child mortality declining in Western nations
• Chronic diseases
• Asthma – more environmental triggers
• Acute illness
• Influenza – virus infection
• Indigenous health
• Higher mortality, more risk of disease
• Studies requires careful interpretation
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