Question 1

Q1: How many Kcal of energy is required by a four-year-old child?

Accepted Answer

According to Table 4: Recommended dietary allowances for preschool children, a child in the age group of 4-6 years requires 1690 Kcal of energy.

Question 2

Q1: What do DPT, OPV and BCG vaccines stand for?

Accepted Answer

Based on the information provided in the chapter, the full forms of the vaccines are as follows:    DPT: Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus    OPV: Oral Polio Vaccine *   BCG: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (an anti-tuberculosis vaccine)

Question 3

Q2: What is the importance of iodine, iron, calcium and protein in the diet of preschool children?

Accepted Answer

The importance of these nutrients in the diet of preschool children is as follows:    Iodine: It is essential for preventing Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD), such as goitre. The chapter suggests that the universal use of iodised salt is a simple way to prevent this.    Iron: It is crucial for prev...

Question 4

Q2: How does diarrhoea result in dehydration?

Accepted Answer

Diarrhoea results in dehydration because it causes a depletion of water and electrolytes from the body. This loss of essential fluids is not easily replenished, especially in infants, leading to a state of dehydration. The chapter notes that this condition is a major cause of infant mortality.

Question 5

Q3: Which are the three aspects to be taken into account while planning diets for preschoolers?

Accepted Answer

The three aspects to be taken into account while planning diets for preschool children are: 1.  Variety: The diet should include a variety of textures, tastes, smells, and colours. This helps in broadening the child's nutritional intake and their overall eating experience. 2.  Balance: The diet must...

Question 6

Q3: Why is the mother's health and nutrition important to avoid deficiency diseases in infants?

Accepted Answer

The mother's health and nutrition are crucial to avoid deficiency diseases in infants primarily because the infant's nutritional requirements for the first 4-6 months are met through breast milk. The chapter states that an average secretion of 850 ml of breast milk from a well-nourished mother provi...

Question 7

Q4: Classify complementary foods.

Accepted Answer

The chapter provides a table (Table 2: Types of Complementary Foods) that classifies complementary foods based on the infant's age and the food's consistency. They can be classified into the following categories:    Liquids (4-6 months): These are the first foods introduced alongside breast milk. Ex...

Question 8

Q4: Why are snacks important in a preschooler's diet?

Accepted Answer

Snacks are important in a preschooler's diet because it is often difficult for them to consume enough food in just three main meals to meet their energy and nutrient needs. Healthy snacks provided between meals supply the necessary calories and nutrients required for their rapid growth and high acti...

Question 9

Q5: What is MMR vaccine for?

Accepted Answer

According to Table 6: Immunisation schedule, the MMR vaccine provides immunity against three diseases: Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.

Question 10

Q1: Why should we limit the intake of saturated fats, excess sugars and salt in a school child's diet?

Accepted Answer

It is important to limit the intake of saturated fats, excess sugars, and salt in a school child's diet for several health reasons:    Saturated Fats and Sugars: The growth rate of school children slows down compared to early childhood. Diets rich in fats and sugars provide excess calories, which ca...

Question 11

Q2: How does involving children in meal planning help in healthy eating?

Accepted Answer

Involving children in meal planning helps promote healthy eating in several ways:    Increases Interest: It makes the process of healthy eating more interesting and engaging for them. When children have a say in what they eat, they are more likely to accept and enjoy the food.    Educational: It tea...

Question 12

Q3: "Childhood obesity is on the increase." Give reasons.

Accepted Answer

The chapter states that childhood obesity is a growing health risk among children. The primary reasons for this increase are: 1.  Unhealthy Diet: Children's diets are increasingly rich in fatty foods, high in salt, low in fiber, and include beverages with added sugar. This combination leads to a hig...

Question 13

Q4: How has the Mid-day Meal Scheme" boosted children's health as well as school performance?

Accepted Answer

The Mid-day Meal Scheme (MDMS) has boosted children's health and school performance in several significant ways:    Improved Health and Nutrition: By providing a free, nutritious lunch to school children from Classes I-VIII, the scheme addresses the problem of undernutrition. Many children, especial...

Question 14

Q1: (a) You are visiting your native village or any other village where you find that children are malnourished and victims of many resulting diseases. If...

Accepted Answer

If asked to talk to parents in a village about malnourished children, I would explain the following based on the chapter: (i) Role of adequate nutrition in protecting children from diseases: Adequate nutrition is the foundation of a child's health. It strengthens the body's ability to fight diseases...

Question 15

Q2: (b) Your neighbour's two-month-old child suffers from diarrhoea repeatedly. Explain about- - Nutritional needs of infants - Importance of exclusive br...

Accepted Answer

For a neighbour whose two-month-old child suffers from repeated diarrhoea, I would provide the following information from the chapter:    Nutritional needs of infants: Infants grow very rapidly and have very high nutritional needs. In fact, they require twice as many calories per kilogram of body we...

Question 16

Q3: (c) Enlist and explain briefly the steps involved in developing healthy food habits in school going children.

Accepted Answer

The steps involved in developing healthy food habits in school-going children, as described in the chapter, are: 1.  Establish sensible eating habits: Parents should encourage children to eat healthy foods instead of becoming 'munching machines' glued to the TV. One innovative way is to prepare and...

Question 17

Q4: (d) Explain the aspects you will take into account in helping children with special needs with nutritional issues- (i) Observation (ii) Physical activ...

Accepted Answer

When helping children with special needs with nutritional issues, the following aspects should be taken into account: (i) Observation: It is crucial to closely observe the child's behaviour and progress during mealtimes. This includes observing their ability to handle different foods, their food pre...

Question 18

Q5: (e) How do family, media and peers influence the food intake of children?

Accepted Answer

Family, media, and peers are major influences on the food intake of children, particularly during the preschool and school-age years.    Family Environment: The family is the primary influence on a child's eating habits. Parents shape food preferences and establish eating patterns, often without con...

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