Building Healthy Futures Through Pediatric Nutrition:
Children’s health begins with nutrition. During early development, the right balance of nutrients supports physical growth, brain development, strong immunity, and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, pediatric malnutrition remains a critical issue — even in developed countries like Canada.
A major study found that nearly 1 in 5 hospitalized children in Canada were already malnourished at admission, and almost half lost weight during their stay. The effects of poor nutrition go beyond the physical — it can lead to learning difficulties, weakened immune systems, slower recovery from illness, and even long-term social disadvantages.
The Challenges:
- Many families face food insecurity due to financial or geographic barriers.
- Hospitals and clinics often lack routine nutritional assessments.
- Not all children receive access to a registered dietitian for proper guidance.
What Can Help:
- Community education for parents and caregivers about balanced meals, portion sizes, and affordable healthy options.
- Government support programs like food banks, school meal programs, and subsidies for fresh produce.
- Healthcare professionals using screening tools like STRONGkids and SGNA to identify children at risk early.
The Goal:
To create a world where every child has the chance to grow up healthy, strong, and nourished — regardless of background.