CNA145

CNA145

CNA145
Child and Adolescent Health

For this paper I have chosen the priority direction: ‘Improving the physical health of young Australians’. It will discuss and demonstrate its significance on children’s general wellbeing, growth and development. A special attention will be given to lack of physical activity and obesity, which is considered to be a current health issue faced by Australian children. This paper will also examine some of the social determinants that have an impact on the health and wellbeing; contributing to obesity. These will include: transport, early life, food and social support. Further, this essay will briefly propose strategies that would aid in achieving one or more aspects of the Nest action plan directly related to the chosen priority direction.
Australian children are becoming more susceptible to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease in particular; along with some cancers and obesity due to the lack of/or low levels of physical activity (Children’s Physical Activity Coalition (CPAC) 2013 ). The amount of time spent on physical activity has been recognised as one of the influential contributors in sustaining positive overall health for young people, which has been a prime focus for researchers and policy makers for some time (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2015).
Physical activity is a significant factor in regards to psychological and physical health of all children and adolescents in providing vital part in achieving and developing crucial benchmarks from infancy to adolescence (National Heart Foundation 2014, p.61). Physical activity is extremely important from infancy through to adolescence, which has been linked with enhancing greater outcomes towards motor skills, cognitive and musculoskeletal development, adiposity, psychosocial health, heart disease and metabolic diseases such as diabetes (National Heart Foundation 2014, p.61). Physical activity plays a significant role in meeting...