Eating is one of life's greatest pleasures. Feeding your child,
however, can be one of a parent's greatest challenges. A healthy
feeding relationship between a parent and child is an integral part of
parenting and healthy family dynamics. Sometimes however medical
conditions, behavioral problems, or psychological concerns can get in
the way.
- Obesity: 25% of all American children are over-weight due to
their sedentary lifestyles and/or intake of high caloric food.
- Elevated cholesterol: Prevention of heart disease starts in childhood:
| |
Cholesterol
|
LDL Cholesterol |
Triglycerides |
|
desirable
|
<180 mg/dl
|
<110 mg/dl
|
1st decade/100
mg/dl
2nd decade/120 mg/dl
|
| borderline
high
|
180 mg/dl
|
110 mg/dl
|
|
| high risk
|
200 mg/dl and
above |
>110
mg/dl |
|
- Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes: Nutrition therapy is the corner-stone of
diabetes treatment. Because children are still growing and developing
physiologically, a child's nutritional needs should be reviewed yearly. Goals are to control
blood sugar and develop a healthy lifestyle and eating habits.
- Medications such as Ritalin and anti-depressants could affect your
child's appetite and by extension their weight and growth. Assistance and
monitoring in this area may prevent future problems.
- Behavior problems: Picky eaters and food battlers need attention
before their behavior affects their growth and development. Learn how
to avoid food conflicts!
- Eating disorders: Anorexia and bulimia are affecting many children and
teens. Early intervention and treatment is a must to prevent serious
medical and psychological problems.
Treating children is different from treating adults. At Medical Nutrition Network, we address issues specific to children, such as
promoting growth and adequate development. Dietary
modifications can be difficult for both the child and the parent.
Medical Nutrition Network will assist in making these changes effective and more
comfortable. The Registered Dietitians at Medical Nutrition Network will work
with you and your pediatrician to help manage any medical concern and
resolve problem behaviors.
- an individualized meal plan to meet your child's needs
- menus
- recipes
- exercise plan
- support for a healthy and positive attitude toward food and eating
- continued monitoring of growth and development
- an education in nutrition that will last a lifetime
Medical Nutrition Network recognizes that kids' needs are special. Our
philosophy is based on sound scientific evidence. Our mission is to make nutrition counseling a positive experience.
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