HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTH CARE Introduction

Health A child’s health is defined as physical, emotional, mental and social well-being Most childcare centers do not meet the health and safety needs of children by adequately preventing illness reducing unnecessary risk promoting general well-being

Holistic View Ecological Approach Child’s environment includes: Physical Social and emotional Cultural Economic factors

Ecological Approach, cont’d Child/mother Family Community Services Society Services Values, Laws, Beliefs The higher the number of risk factors the lower the child’s health, safety, and nutrition

Physical Environment Genetics Child’s own health Home environment Community environment Physical risk factors in the U.S. that are growing include poverty, violence, stress, obesity and diabetes

Physical Environment in Child Care Can decrease risk factors by providing a healthy, safe environment that provides good nutrition, educates parents, and advocates for societal change

Social & Emotional Environment Promotes self-esteem Promotes healthy, stable relationships among family members and friends Caregivers can help promote self-esteem & healthy relationships for children and can provide assistance to at-risk parents & caretakers

Economic Environment Low income is the primary factor for the majority of childhood health and nutritional risks in the US. One in every 5 children lives below the poverty level, leading to –Poor health care and physical health risks –Poor nutrition and disease –Emotional and learning problems –Increased accidents, etc.

Health Promotion,Protection, & Prevention Child care services should be pro-active: –Encourage immunization and health checkups, including dental, hearing, sight screening –Promote sanitary practices (hand washing) –Promote safety practices (car seats for kids) –Promote nutritional practices (eat fruits and vegs) –Promote parent education (child dev) Advocacy (improved services)

Cultural Environment In a diverse society child care can bridge conflicts between cultures represented in the student body bridge bicultural conflicts within families experiencing conflicts between traditional and US culture

Providing Quality Child Care Maximize the health status of children Minimize risks for health, safety, nutrition Educate children & parents Know & follow laws, standards & guidelines that promote health/safety