Importance of Early Childhood

Early childhood is defined as the period from birth to eight years old. A time of remarkable brain growth, these years lay the foundation for subsequent learning and development.  Early childhood is a crucial time period for the development of the mental functions of children. This development, including the emergence of the abilities and skills in areas such as language, motor skills, psychosocial cognitive and learning, is now known to be greatly influenced by exogenous factors, including the nature of the educational environment to which the child is exposed during the first 6 to 8 years of life (Bowman, Donovan and Burns, 2001). The vast majority of neurons are developed between birth and age three, as this is the brain’s peak capacity to retain new information. Since children are most receptive to information at a young age, early learning exposure plays an essential role in fostering mental development.

Science shows that taking in new sights, sounds and information plays a paramount component in the formation of active neural pathways. Research shows that kids who had early childhood education often are better students throughout school, go on to college, earn higher salaries, and use fewer government services as adults. Further, early gains in school readiness due to early childhood education have been shown to have enormous positive economic and social impacts lasting well into adulthood, from higher educational attainment and less chance of involvement in criminal activity, to higher status employment and higher earnings (Schweinhart 2007; Sparling, Ramey and Ramey 2007).

      Scientists have learned that a toddler’s brain develops over one hundred trillion brain synapses. A brain synapse is the "wiring" between two brain cells that grasps new learning. The more the synapses, the more your brain will learn! It is during this time that the human brain has the highest potential for new learning in its lifetime. Recognizing shapes, drawing, singing and playing with toys are all examples of behaviors your child learns in the first few years of life.

       By their third birthday, a child should be able to do many things, including throw a ball overhand, feed themselves, ride a tricycle, balance on one foot or copy a circle, just to name a few. And by age 4, your child will begin knowing their first and last name, following family rules, recognizing colors, eating by themselves, dressing themselves, etc.

    High-quality preschools and pre-kindergartens are geared to give your child a jumpstart to learning. Most have standards in place to prepare your child for kindergarten, so that on the first day of school, your child is ready to learn. A child should to learn certain things in preschool, just as you would expect your elementary student to learn how to read and do basic math.

Picture from : http://www.albuquerquedaycare.org/importance-of-early-childhood-education-infographic/

Picture from : http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/the-importance-early-childhood-education.html

Work Cited

Bowman, B., Donovan, M, & Burns, M., eds. (2001). Eager to Learn: Educating Our Preschoolers, Committee on Early Childhood Pedagogy, Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, National Research Council, National Academy Press, Washington, DC.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Developmental Monitoring and Screening (2012, July 12). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/screening.html

Karoly, Lynn., Kilburn, Rebecca,.  (2005). Proven Benefits of Early Childhood Interventions Retrieved from http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9145/index1.html

National Eduation Organization. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/home/18163.htm

Schweinhart, L. J., (2007). "Outcomes of the High/Scope Perry preschool Study and Michigan School Readiness Program" in Early Child Development From Measurement to Action: A Priority for Growth and Equity, M. E. Young (Ed.), International Bank for Reconstruction/World Bank, Washington, DC.

Shapiro, E. (2013, September 11). Early childhood education Retrieved from Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_childhood_education

UNESCO. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/

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Healthy Vending Machines

                              Healthy Vending: Smarter Options are Just a Push Away!

Everyone can recall that time of the day when their stomach starts growling or their mouth gets parched.  The human instinct has high motivation to relieve these conditions of hunger and thirst.  One may first look to see if there is any food or drink in their bag or purse.  If there is nothing in their possession, one may venture to the nearby vending machine.  The purpose of a vending machine is to provide a certain product in exchange for money without the use of a cashier.  Many people like the convenience of vending machines, while others appreciate the variety of products offered.  However, one may suggest that it is the options available in the vending machines that may have a negative effect on society.

            According to Vending Machine industry statistics, the revenue generated by the snack and vending machine industry in 2012 was $64,3500.00 (Statistic Brain, 2013).  As one can see consumers spend a large sum of money at the vending machines.  Vending machines contain a large variety of products.  These products range from soda to juice and from candy to nuts. The variety is endless.  However, many of these options are extremely unhealthy for an individual to consume. 

            For example, a small bag of Lay’s Potato Chips contains 147 calories. While a package of two Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups contains 210 calories. (Calorie Count, 2013).  Some people consume multiple snacks at the vending machine with a consumption of 500 calories.  One of the most popular products at the vending machine tends to be soda.  Statistics show that 56 percent of vending machine sales in 2012 consisted of soda or cold drinks (Statistic Brain, 2013).  According to Fitness Weightloss com, “A 12 oz can of soda contains 140-165 calories” (Fitness for Weight Loss, 2013).  Many people consume more than one soda a day or may even purchase a bottle with even more calories.  Soda may be the popular product of choice at the vending machine because of the caffeine, taste, or appeal. However, one may wonder if it is the rapid consumption of these sugary drinks that plays a huge role in the high levels of obesity. 

Obesity is a common and prevalent problem in the United States.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “More than 1/3 (35.7%) of U.S adults are obese.  While 17% or 12.5 million U.S children and adolescents aged 2-19 are obese” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013).  However, one may ask what is the cause of these high rates of obesity?  There are many risk factors for obesity including: genetics, diet, exercise, and lifestyle.  Some of these risk factors, such as genetics cannot be eliminated.  However, diet, exercise, and lifestyle are factors that one has control over. 

There are many things that one can do to improve their diet. First, one can monitor their daily calorie intake.  There are apps available on cellular devices specifically for the use of monitoring calorie intake.  Another thing one can do is to choose healthier options in place of junk food.  One may make the excuse that they can’t eat healthy because they are always on the go.  Some may also complain that the only options that are available are the unhealthy products in the vending machines.  However, one may propose if there were healthier options available in the vending machines, would consumers choose the healthier options over the unhealthy ones?

According to Healthy YOU vending, the answer is yes.  “[Healthy YOU Vending has been in business for 12 years] and have almost 5,000 customers and 100,000 vending machines nationwide” (Healthy You Vending, 2012).  These healthy vending machine owners understand the need for healthier options in vending machines.   According to Vending Times, “Consumers are trading traditional carbonated soft drinks for "better for you" alternatives amid rising concerns over obesity. The wellness movement is fueling growth in ready-to-drink teas and waters, and as consumers seek more enhanced products with functional benefits, beverage companies are responding by increasing their use of fortifications such as vitamins, minerals, caffeine and antioxidants” (Vending Times Inc, 2013). 

Healthy vending machine companies, such as Healthy You Vending provide the same variety of options as the regular vending machines, but with nutritional value. Some options include nutritional bars such as Cliff or Luna containing 23 vitamins and minerals and no trans fat.  Other options include cookies such as Back to Nature cookies containing no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.  The options are endless from dried fruit slices to organic cookies. 

As for the beverages the options range from spring water to citrus coconut water. There are also the options of non-dairy smoothies and non-carbonated juices.  The owners of these healthy vending machines want their customers to be able to replace that can of soda with a healthy choice with fewer calories.  There are also entrees and side dishes available for those who use the vending machines for meals.  Items such as noodles, soups, sandwiches, and rice and vegetables are available with zero trans fat and cholesterol. 

Vending machines are all about variety and choices.  Because vending machines may be the only available source of food in schools or the workplace it is important that they accommodate all audiences.   What may seem healthy and delicious to an adult may not be appeal to a child.  The owners of healthy vending machines work to provide a wide selection of products that fit the priority population.  It is clear to see that  the incorporation of healthy vending machines in the schools and workplaces is a step in the right direction in reducing the obesity rates in the United States. 

PLEASE ENJOY THIS INFORMATIONAL VIDEO CLIP ABOUT FRESH VENDING:
Fresh Vending (right click on link to open) 

                       Smarter options are just a push away, it's up to you! 

References: 

Calorie Count. (2013). Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Retrieved September 15, 2013, from http://caloriecount.about.com/cc/search.php?searchpro=reeses+

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Obesity and Overweight. Retrieved September 15, 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

Fitness for Weight Loss. (2013). How Many Calories are in Regular Soda. Retrieved September 15, 2013, from http://www.fitnessforweightloss.com/how-many-calories-are-in-regular-soda/

Healthy YOU Vending. (2012). About Healthy YOU Vending. Retrieved September 15, 2013, from, http://www.healthyyouvending.com/aboutus

Jed, Emily. (2012, July 7). Global Beverage Trends: Tracking Consumer Preferences Builds Sales Through Vending Machines, Expert Says. Retrieved from http://www.vendingtimes.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=754303A430C54C2AA236B18E2C06AB17&nm=Vending+Features&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=44E8AA5FDBB544DEB430306307F6196B

Statistic Brain. (2013). Vending Machine Industry Statistics. Retrieved September 15, 2013,  from http://statisticbrain.com/vending-machine-industry-statistics/

Youtube. Fresh Vending. Retrieved September 15, 2013, form http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFC-Z4tsRLM

           

           

           

             

           

           

            

Hands, Hands, Everywhere

Life in campus residence halls can be a little scary from a health educator's perspective. It seems we hear a lot about the spread of illness and disease in settings like hospitals and nursing homes, but what about college residence halls? The truth is that dorm living can be a health risk in much the same way. Residents in a dorm spread bacteria and viruses through common use of many everyday items:

• sinks
• toilets
• showers
• kitchens
• door handles
• railings
• computers
• refrigerators
• pool/ping pong tables
• washing machines and dryers
• board games
• lounge furniture
• light switches
• buttons on AC units and TVs
• video game controllers

Earlier this year my residence hall had an outbreak of the flu. The Hall Director surveyed Student Advisors and residents and confirmed over 40 cases of the illness (which included bouts of intense vomiting and diarrhea). As the Hall Director counted the students who were down with the flu, she noticed a trend. Many of the cases were concentrated among students that shared a common bathroom, and students on one wing of the third floor and one wing of the fourth floor were hit the hardest. The CDC warns that insufficient handwashing after using the bathroom can lead to the spread of viral infections. Though our Hall Director's research was not part of a controlled study, the data still seems to support the hypothesis that improper handwashing, especially after bathroom use, can spread infection quickly throughout a community.

When living in close quarters with anywhere from 70 to 700 other people in one building, a dorm resident has the potential to be exposed to numerous pathogens. Even a student that washes his or her own hands properly and on a regular basis may be exposed to bacteria and viruses because of the poor hand hygiene of others living in their community.

The good news is that much of the illness that spreads within residence halls can be prevented with proper handwashing! Washing your hands only takes 20-30 seconds and requires little skill. Though this solution might seem too easy to be true, handwashing actually has a significant effect on stopping the spread of infectious disease. The CDC has proven the benefits of handwashing through studies in hospitals and third-world slums. It is about time we put this knowledge to good use in the dorms! So wash your hands and tell your roommates, suitemates, and other friends to do the same! For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/cleanhands.

-Emily Eschbacher

Staying Healthy Over the Age of Sixty-Five

More than 26% of the households in Blytheville, Arkansas have a resident who is 65 years or older. This means that about one in every four households inhabits a senior citizen. One of the biggest threats to the health of these senior citizens is injuries from falls. The National Safety Council (NSC) states that falls are the leading cause of injury and hospital visits among the elderly. These falls can lead to serious injury, disability, and even death. In 2002 alone, nearly 13,000 people over the age of 65 died as a result of fall related injuries and an additional 1.6 million went to the emergency room for the same reason. The first step to preventing these injuries is to address overall health factors that may have an impact on the prevalence of falls.

An important health factor for people of all ages is regular exercise. And for those who are above the age of 65, exercise is just as important now as it was at any other time in their life. Being involved in a regular exercise program will provide numerous health benefits but most of all it will help to improve balance, coordination, and strength among the elderly. These improvements can significantly reduce the risk of falls and resulting injuries. To get involved in a regular exercise program for yourself or someone you know who is over the age of 65, check out your local hospital. Many hospital fitness centers provide exercise classes specifically for older adults to target common areas of weakness.

Another important health factor for older adults that can help to reduce injuries from falling is to visit the doctor regularly. The doctor should be aware of all the medications being taken as some may cause sleepiness and/or dizziness that can contribute to the risk of falling. People over the age of 65 should also have their vision checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. Uncorrected poor vision can greatly increase the risk of falling.

In order to keep the elderly free of injuries, it is important that both the elderly and their caregivers are educated on ways to be healthy and prevent the occurrence of falls. This education will allow older adults to be more independent in activities of daily living and can lead to a longer, happier life.

Written by: Katie Cunnane