Discussion 3

Improving the Nutritional Status of Children in Portland, Maine

Nutritional status is defined as the state of the body in relation to the consumption and utilization of

nutrients. According to the CDC, “Fruits and vegetables (F&V) contribute important nutrients for the

human body. Eating F&V lowers the risk of developing many chronic diseases and can also help with

weight management. Creating greater access to quality and affordable F&V nationwide is an important

step to increase F&V consumption. When state leaders, health professionals, food retail owners,

farmers, education staff, and community members work together, more Americans can live healthier

lives. The State Indicator Report on Fruits and Vegetables, 2013 provides information for each state on

fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption, and environmental and policy indicators of support for

consumption. The report, which can be used to inform decision makers, shows that F&V consumption is

higher in some states than others, but overall consumption of F&V in the United States is low.” 1

According to an article published by the American Public Health Association, “Physical signs and

symptoms of malnutrition can be valuable aids in detecting nutritional deficiencies. These may include

delayed growth and development as determined by comparing an individual or a group with normal

values on growth charts; pallor of the skin, mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes, nail beds or

palm surfaces”. 2

Balogun et al. found that “Severe undernutrition is still a major problem among young children in a rural

community. The major determinants of the nutritional status of preschool-aged children are recent

acute illness (which we can use as a measure of recurrent illness), feeding practices that do not follow

established guidelines and father’s education. There is a need for innovation in health-care delivery;

therefore, we recommend that pediatricians should liaise with community health workers and

encourage mothers to promote exclusive breastfeeding, delay the introduction of complementary foods

and prevent diarrheal disease. We also recommend that community health interventions be planned to

include fathers, so that they can support the provision of nutritious food to their young children.” 3

The nutritional status of Americans is worse than other developed countries. Adding insult to injury, the

United States has failed miserably compared to the rest of the world in providing good health care and

education for her citizens. In this paper, I am going to tell you what the United States needs to do to

improve these numbers.