In this assignment, you will be exploring actual and potential health problems in the childhood years using a functional health assessment and Erickson’s Stages of Child Development. To complete this assignment, do the following: While APA format is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines. This assignment uses a rubric.
Introduction
Understanding the key health problems that occur during childhood is essential for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and parents. By conducting a functional health assessment and applying Erikson’s Stages of Child Development, one can gain insights into the actual and potential health issues children may face. This academic paper will explore various health problems that children encounter in their childhood years by utilizing these two frameworks.
Functional Health Assessment
A functional health assessment is a holistic approach that assesses the overall health and well-being of individuals across various domains, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects. When applied to children, this assessment examines their developmental milestones, growth patterns, behavior, and overall well-being.
Physical Health
One of the crucial aspects of a functional health assessment in children is the evaluation of their physical health. This involves examining factors such as growth patterns, nutritional intake, motor skills, and overall physical development. Physical health problems that may occur during childhood include issues such as malnutrition, obesity, allergies, asthma, and infectious diseases like measles or chickenpox.
Malnutrition is a prevalent health problem in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries. It can lead to stunted growth, impaired cognitive development, and increased susceptibility to infections. On the other hand, obesity is a growing concern in many developed nations, and it can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases later in life.
Allergies, such as food allergies or seasonal allergies, can significantly impact a child’s quality of life. They may experience symptoms like itching, sneezing, or difficulty breathing, which can interfere with their daily activities and overall well-being. Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, can also affect children and cause recurrent episodes of coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Infectious diseases present significant health challenges for children globally. Measles and chickenpox, for example, can cause severe complications if not properly managed. Children who contract these diseases may experience high fever, rash, and sometimes more serious complications like pneumonia or encephalitis, which can lead to long-term effects or even death.
Cognitive and Emotional Development
The functional health assessment also encompasses cognitive and emotional aspects of a child’s development. Cognitive development refers to the acquisition of knowledge, reasoning abilities, problem-solving skills, and language proficiency. Emotional development, on the other hand, involves the development of emotional regulation, empathy, and social skills.
Children may face various cognitive challenges during their childhood. For example, learning disabilities, such as dyslexia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can significantly impact a child’s ability to understand and process information. These conditions may require specialized interventions and support to ensure optimal cognitive development.
Emotional development is equally critical in childhood. Children may encounter emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues like aggression or noncompliance. These emotional challenges can result from various factors, including family dynamics, traumatic experiences, or even genetic predispositions. Early identification and intervention are crucial to addressing these issues and promoting healthy emotional development.
Social Development
Social development plays a vital role in a child’s overall well-being and is an essential aspect of the functional health assessment. It involves the formation of relationships, development of social skills, and understanding of societal norms and values.