# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Diferentes tipos de carnes, muchos nutrientes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES

ENLACES DE INTERÉS

RECURSOS

Tel: (+34) 910688197 - institutohuevo@institutohuevo.com Copyrights © Instituto de Estudios del Huevo 2023

Este sitio web utiliza cookies para garantizar que obtenga la mejor experiencia en nuestro sitio web. Lee más Aceptar

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Tel: (+34) 910688197 - institutohuevo@institutohuevo.com Copyrights © Instituto de Estudios del Huevo 2023 Este sitio web utiliza cookies para garantizar que obtenga la mejor experiencia en nuestro sitio web. Lee más Aceptar

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
La Palabra de Sabiduría es una ley de salud para el beneficio físico y espiritual de los hijos de Dios. Incluye instrucciones sobre qué alimentos son buenos para nosotros y qué sustancias debemos evitar. Con el tiempo, los líderes de la Iglesia han brindado instrucciones adicionales sobre aquellas cosas que la Palabra de Sabiduría fomenta o prohíbe, y han enseñado que deben evitarse las sustancias que son destructivas o adictivas.

En publicaciones recientes para miembros de la Iglesia, los líderes de la Iglesia han aclarado que la Palabra de Sabiduría prohíbe varias sustancias, incluidos los cigarrillos electrónicos, el té verde y los productos a base de café. También han advertido que las sustancias como la marihuana y los opioides deben usarse solo con fines medicinales según lo prescrito por un médico competente.
Este artículo fue publicado originalmente en la revista New Era de agosto de 2019.
Aclaremos algunos elementos que los jóvenes de hoy pueden confundir cuando se trata de la Palabra de Sabiduría.

Estos son algunos datos sobre la Palabra de Sabiduría:

En Doctrina y Convenios 89:8-9, el Señor nos prohíbe usar tabaco y "bebidas calientes", lo que, han explicado los líderes de la Iglesia, significa té y café.

Los profetas y apóstoles modernos han enseñado con frecuencia que la Palabra de Sabiduría nos advierte contra sustancias que pueden dañarnos o esclavizarnos a la adicción.

Por lo tanto, con esos hechos en mente, tratemos de aclarar algunos elementos que los jóvenes Santos de los Últimos Días de hoy pueden encontrar un tanto confusos.
Vaporizadores y cigarrillos electrónicos, etc.
Los vaporizadores electrónicos o los cigarrillos electrónicos son dispositivos que la gente usa para inhalar vapor, por lo general con varios sabores. Un estudio mostró que casi dos tercios de los usuarios adolescentes de cigarrillos electrónicos pensaba que los cartuchos que iban a vapear contenían sólo saborizante. Eso está muy lejos de la verdad. La mayoría de ellos contiene nicotina, que es altamente adictiva, y todos contienen sustancias químicas nocivas. Vapear está claramente en contra de la Palabra de Sabiduría.
Mocca, Latte, Macchiato, etc.
La palabra café no siempre está en el nombre de las bebidas de café. Por lo tanto, antes de probar lo que crees que es sólo un nuevo sabor a batido, aquí tienes un par de reglas generales: (1) Si estás en una cafetería (o cualquier otra tienda que es bien conocida por su café), la bebida que estás pidiendo probablemente tiene café, así que nunca compres bebidas en las cafeterías o siempre pregunta si hay café en ella. (2) Bebidas con nombres que incluyen café o caffé, moca, latte, espresso, o cualquier cosa que termine en -ccino por lo general tienen café en ellos y están en contra de la Palabra de Sabiduría.
Té Verde, Té Helado
El té verde y el té negro están hechos de las hojas de la misma planta de té. La única diferencia es que las hojas en el té negro son fermentadas y en el té verde no lo son. Ambos son té y contra la Palabra de Sabiduría. Algunas bebidas tienen té, pero no se indica ese hecho, así que siempre debes comprobar los ingredientes. Además, el té helado sigue siendo té.
Marihuana, Opioides
La marihuana puede ser legal para uso medicinal o incluso recreativo en muchos lugares ahora, pero eso no significa que cualquier uso no está en contra de la Palabra de Sabiduría. Se están estudiando usos médicos, pero al igual que muchos analgésicos como los opioides, la marihuana es una sustancia adictiva. Dichas sustancias formadores de hábitos deben evitarse excepto bajo el cuidado de un médico competente, y luego utilizarse únicamente según lo prescrito.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Declaración sobre "Palabra de Sabiduría"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Declaración sobre norma de salud conocida como "Palabra de Sabiduría"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Clase 01. Reducir gluten, lácteos, azucar y productos ultraprocesados.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Para entrar a la lista de espera de DESINFLAMA 28 días usa este link 👇https://chat.whatsapp.com/H0FmkRhYKLPCbY7RzVvcvDPARA ACCEDER AL REGALO USA ESTE LINK ?...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Church has focused efforts to help more young children have access to nutrition care.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Healthy eating is essential for development and growth, particularly for children. The revelation known as the Word of Wisdom contains truths to help us grow physically and spiritually (see Doctrine and Covenants 89). This revelation explains that God has provided many nutritious foods for the good of His children. We are instructed to eat foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and meat. Special blessings-including health, wisdom, treasures of knowledge, and resilience-are promised to those who follow these revealed truths.

Why is healthy eating essential to proper child development and growth?

The most important period for a child's brain development and growth is from the time of conception to ages two to three. To support this rapid growth, proper nutrition from a variety of foods is essential. Good nutrition in these early years helps develop a strong foundation for the child to grow from and helps them avoid lifelong health problems.

What types of food should children eat?

Each type of healthy food helps the body in certain ways. For example, some foods help the body grow while other foods help the body function and develop defenses against disease. To get these benefits, children need a balanced diet. This might mean adding fruits and vegetables to a child's diet or ensuring they are consuming protein. Start by accessing the food-based dietary guidelines of your country to better understand what changes might be needed. At a minimum, a child's diet should include foods like:

Fruits (fresh fruit, canned fruit, and fruit juices)

Vegetables (leafy greens, raw and cooked vegetables)

Grain foods and starches (corn, wheat, potatoes, pasta, and brown rice)

Protein foods (fish, poultry, meat, eggs, dried beans, and nuts)

Children should also get plenty of vitamins, including vitamin A and vitamin D, as well as healthy fats, including saturated fats. In some areas of the world, packaged foods may contain nutrition information, which can be used in establishing a balanced diet. Developing healthy eating habits in the home will also help ensure that children are getting the foods necessary for a balanced diet. Being full does not guarantee that you are well nourished.

At first, children may resist eating certain healthy foods, such as vegetables and fruits. Parents can help by regularly including these foods in meals and preparing them in different ways.

What types of food should children avoid?

Children should have a limited amount of processed foods, which typically contain large amounts of sugars, unsaturated fats, and salt. Providing healthy snacks instead will help children get the nutrients needed for the proper development of their bodies and minds.

What resources exist to help with child nutrition?

There are several resources available to those looking for assistance with child nutrition. Some resources require access to health professionals while other resources are inexpensive or free.

Certified nutritionists can help parents know whether a child's nutrition needs to be improved and what steps to take. Church leaders may help identify certified nutritionists at local health clinics.

Dietary guidelines explain what types of foods a child should eat each day. Some countries have published guidelines, but some do not. Local Church leaders may prepare printed guidelines that focus on foods that are available locally.

Nutrition screenings for children may be available in some areas. Screenings can serve as a starting place to improve a child's nutrition and can include checking for signs of malnutrition.

Supplements may be recommended by a health professional when adequate foods are not available.

What can I do to help my children get the nutrients they need?

As a parent, you will have the unique opportunity to support your children as they grow and develop healthy eating habits. When possible, mothers should make every effort to breastfeed babies up to two years old.

WHO recommends mothers worldwide to exclusively breastfeed infants for the child's first six months to achieve optimal growth, development, and health. Thereafter, they should be given nutritious complementary foods and continue breastfeeding up to the age of two years or beyond. ¹

When breastfeeding is not possible, local clinical services may help you find alternatives. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should try to eat a variety of healthy foods. Nutrients in the foods that mothers eat affect babies before birth and babies who are being nursed.

Consider these additional ideas as you pray for guidance:

Learn about nutritious foods that are available in your area. You can also research ways to prepare these foods.

Consult with a certified nutritionist, when possible.

Use take-home sheets from the Church's child nutrition effort.

Seek support from your Relief Society and elders quorum presidents if you have difficulty buying or growing nutritious foods.

How can others help with healthy eating efforts?

In addition to parents' efforts, local Church leaders and ministering brothers and sisters may be able to influence children's proper development through nutritious eating. Consider these ideas and others as you pray for guidance.

Ministering Brothers and Sisters

Teach nutrition principles to families with children.

Counsel with the elders quorum and Relief Society presidents about how to help families who have nutritional needs.

Let families take the lead in planning ways to improve their children's nutrition and provide support when possible.

Local Leaders

Choose proactive and supportive ministering brothers and sisters for families that have nutritional needs.

Counsel together about ways to help meet immediate food needs and enable the family to build long-term self-reliance.

Consider providing immediate fast offering assistance to families with severely malnourished children.

Share resources from the Church's child nutrition effort with those in need.

Organize group classes or activities about healthy eating. For example, there could be a recipe exchange or a workshop on choosing foods and preparing them.

Find organizations that could provide immediate help to struggling families and children and further strive to build nutritional self-reliance in the community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Healthy eating is essential for our development and growth, particularly for children. Learn all about nutritious foods for children here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
COMO INFLUYE LA ALIMENTACION ADECUADA EN EL DESARROLLO CEREBRAL DE LOS NIÑOS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Early life experiences, including proper nutrition, have a great impact on a child's developing brain. In the early years of a child's life, the brain is developing rapidly, highly relying on proper nutrition and nurturing to help it develop properly.

Elder M. Russell Ballard said that nurturing activities from a mother and father are an important part of a child's physical needs. These nurturing activities include feeding your child nutritious foods as well as playing with, loving, and telling stories to your child. "Nurturing in and of itself is more important in the development of a child than is any particular method or technique of child rearing." ¹ So how can we ensure our children are getting the proper nurturing and nutrition they need to develop properly?

When does a child's brain start to develop?

The most important period for a child's brain development is from the time of conception to ages two to three. In this period, the brain develops faster than at any other time. These early years are the greatest time of opportunity to help the child's brain develop well and become a strong foundation for success in life.

How does child nutrition relate to brain development?

One of the most important factors of healthy brain development in the early years of a child's life is nutrition. Healthy foods help the brain develop properly and help the body grow. Because the brain development made in those first two to three years of a child's life cannot be made up for later in life, it is essential to make sure a child eats healthy in those early years. Through eating healthy foods early in life, a child can reach their full potential in the future.

How can I help my child's brain develop properly?

To ensure strong brain development, children need to have good nutrition. Feed them foods from all of the food groups so they get all of the nutrients they need to grow.

In addition to nutrition, a child's environment and experiences have a big impact on how these connections develop. For healthy brain development, children need to engage with the world around them. They also need loving and responsive relationships, back-and-forth interactions with people, and chances to play in and explore their world.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Proper Nutrition Impacts Children's Brain Development

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Early life experiences, including proper nutrition, have a great impact on a child's developing brain. Learn about brain development through nutrition here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
COMO EL AGUA POTABLE ES ESCENCIAL PARA LA BUENA SALUD

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why Safe Drinking Water is Essential to Good Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn how safe drinking water is important for child nutrition and overall health.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
COMO AYUDA LA LACTANCIA EN LA NUTRICION INFANTIL

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for mothers and babies. Breast milk is a natural and nutritious source of food that supports babies' development. 1 Nephi 17:2 says, "And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that . . . our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong."

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

Breast milk is a natural food source that contains nutrients essential for brain development and growth, as well as antibodies that protect infants from various illnesses and infections. Breastfeeding gives babies all the nutrients they need in their early years of life to reach their full potential in the future. For more information about breastfeeding, click on the questions below.

Common Breastfeeding Questions

You can see and hear your baby swallowing.

There is a rhythmic suck.

Baby's arms and hands are relaxed.

Diapers are regularly soaked.

Stool changes from dark to light brown by day three.

How to Help Others Understand Breastfeeding

There are some simple things we can do to help parents. We can help them realize the importance of their baby's growth and development. We can help mothers consider breastfeeding (if possible). However, for some women, breastfeeding is not possible. We should take care not to do anything that would make these women feel guilty or inadequate.

Consider the ideas below as you pray for guidance.

Ministering Brothers and Sisters

When appropriate, ministering sisters may offer practical information and resources about breastfeeding as they visit families of expectant parents. Ministering sisters may also encourage the sisters they serve to learn about the health benefits of breastfeeding children until they are between the ages of one and two years old.

Ministering brothers may encourage husbands to provide loving support and encouragement for breastfeeding and to take on other duties that help the family.

Local Leaders

Leaders can encourage the natural practice of breastfeeding, answer questions, introduce resources, and support parents with time and space to feed their babies in Church settings. Other ways to support include:

Sensitively and respectfully work with sisters who may have questions or need encouragement. Working towards creating a connection and showing love could help leaders understand what might make it difficult for a woman to breastfeed.

Organize breastfeeding classes for pregnant and new mothers.

Help mothers who experience challenges with breastfeeding feel loved and supported, avoiding comparison and judgement. No one should make any woman feed guilty or inadequate regarding her breastfeeding experience.

Learn about local resources that help mothers breastfeed successfully.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Breastfeeding Aids in Child Nutrition

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for mothers and babies. Breast milk is a natural and nutritious source of food that supports babies' development.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
COMO MEJORAR LA NUTRICION POR MEDIO DE LA HORTICULTURA

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
God created the earth for our benefit. "Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart" ( Doctrine and Covenants 59:18). It is a miracle of creation that seeds planted on the earth can grow to become plants that feed us.

Gardening is a great way to provide good nutrition for children and families. Fruits and vegetables grown in a garden can supply the nutrients children need to properly grow and develop.

What are the benefits of gardening?

Gardening is a great way to have a supply of nutrient-rich foods for your family. Eating nutrient-rich foods helps children grow and develop to their full potential, and children will be more likely to eat nutritious foods if they help grow them in a garden. Gardening is also a way to save money and become self-sufficient with your own supply of food.

What types of food should children eat?

Children need to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods. This helps them grow strong and healthy and avoid some diseases. The foods that some children eat daily do not provide enough nutrition. For example, some "common foods" (like rice) do not contain a sufficient variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

At first, children may resist eating certain healthy foods, like dark-green leafy vegetables and fruits. Parents can help children get used to these foods. You can do this by continuing to offer these foods and by preparing these foods in different ways.

How can gardening improve children's nutrition?

Family gardens can be used to produce fruits and vegetables that are nutrient-rich. These may help improve children's nutrition. In addition to nutrition benefits, growing a garden can help family members learn principles of self-reliance. As they work together, gardening can build cooperation between family members.

There are many different ways to grow a garden, even at a smaller scale. For example, small pots or other containers may be used where large garden spaces are not available. Some plants produce food quite quickly while others take several months.

How do I start growing a garden?

Before you start gardening, consider whether a family garden is possible. Would it help your children to eat more nutrient-rich foods? Afterwards, learn good gardening practices, such as choosing a good location, planting, preparing soil, accessing clean water, ensuring sun exposure, and more.

While working in a garden, also consider how you can teach your children principles that apply in other aspects of their lives. For example, gardening can teach them about work, nourishment, and patience.

How to Help Others Grow a Garden

Local leaders, including ministering brothers and sisters in congregations, can use this information to help individuals get started with gardening. Consider these and other ideas as you pray for guidance.

Ministering Brothers and Sisters

If you know how, encourage and teach gardening to the families you minister to.

Share garden produce with neighbors.

Local Leaders

Look for local resources that provide information about gardening. Local information can be valuable when helping families better understand local crops, climate, and soil types.

Help families successfully grow gardens. Help arrange for community or individual garden spaces, which may include organization and education efforts.

If possible, contact those who have been successful in supplementing nutrition with garden produce. Invite them to be available as a resource to others who want to start their own garden.

Help families get the supplies they need to be successful. This is especially important for families who would have difficulty getting supplies themselves.

Organize workshops where people can learn gardening skills.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Improving Child Nutrition Through Gardening

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Gardening can be a great, low-cost way to improve your child's nutrition. Read about gardening with children and how to get started.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
PRACTICAS SEGURAS PARA LOS DESECHOS HUMANOS

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Toilets come in all shapes and sizes; some may just be a hole in the ground. Regardless of what type we use, it's important to keep ourselves clean by using safe human waste practices. If we don't, we might get sick. President Gordon B. Hickley taught, "'Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord' ( Doctrine and Covenants 133:5). Thus has He spoken to us in modern revelation. Be clean in body. Be clean in mind. Be clean in language. Be clean in dress and manner." ¹

What are safe human waste practices?

Safe human waste practices are ways that we can properly manage waste disposal in a sanitized way. This includes using toilets and latrines when possible, cleaning those toilets and latrines regularly, and washing our hands afterwards.

How does human waste relate to child nutrition?

Unsafe disposal of human waste can cause illness. It can lead to bacteria, parasites, and viruses that cause diarrhea and other diseases. Diarrhea can cause loss of bodily fluids, severe dehydration, and, in some severe cases, death. Recurring diarrhea can reduce a child's growth and brain development, making them vulnerable to other diseases. If we can teach and help children use safe human waste practices, we can lower the chances of malnutrition caused by illnesses from unclean waste management practices.

What can I do to properly dispose of human waste?

Safe human waste disposal may differ depending on your situation. When possible, use a toilet or latrine. This helps keep us clean and keeps feces out of our drinking water. The toilets and latrines should also be cleaned regularly to eliminate bacterial growth. If you do not have access to a latrine or toilet, be sure to defecate at least 30 meters away from any sources of water, bury the feces, and use cleaning supplies.

After disposing of human waste safely, it is important to always follow with proper handwashing or sanitation to reduce the spread of disease. Wash your hands with soap and clean water or hand sanitizer. Parents should wash their hands after helping their children use the toilet or cleaning their children's bottoms. Parents should also teach their children the importance of sanitation after using the toilet.

How can I help others to follow safe human waste practices?

As a leader or member of the Church, there are some things you can do to help families in your community to follow safe human waste management practices. Prayerfully consider who in your area might be affected by unsafe human waste practices and what Church, government, and nonprofit resources are available to help improve human waste safety. Do women and girls in your area have appropriate access to supplies to manage menstruation? Address any immediate needs you see in your area and look for long-term solutions.

Also, consider what are the best ways to teach families about the importance of safe human waste practices. For example, you could hold Relief Society, quorum, or class activities where you share practice methods for staying clean when using a toilet or latrine. Mothers and Relief Society members can also help young women learn how to manage their periods at school and home in safe and healthy ways.

As a ministering brother or sister, you can help those you serve to follow safe waste disposal practices. If you recognize a home in your community that shows signs of unsafe human waste practices, counsel with the family about ways to improve their situation. Be understanding and not judgmental. Listen to understand the challenges the parents might be facing, and if needed, counsel with a Church leader about ways you can help.

References

Gordon B. Hinckley, "Be Ye Clean," General Conference, April 1996.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Safe human waste practices are ways that we can properly manage waste disposal in a sanitized way. Learn how these practices improve child nutrition.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
SEGURIDAD ALIMENTARIA ESCENCIAL PARA LA NUTRICION

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, it says that the body is a precious gift from God, and we are encouraged to take care of our bodies. Food that is not prepared properly can be dangerous to our health and may contain bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemicals that can lead to disease and even death. Young children are especially vulnerable to these illnesses. But most foodborne illnesses can be prevented by using good food preparation habits. Use the food safety practices below to lower the chances of food borne illnesses in your children.

Why is food safety essential to children's nutrition and health?

Food that is not prepared properly can lead to food borne illnesses, which interferes with nutrient absorption in the body. Children are especially vulnerable to these food borne illnesses, which can be especially dangerous to their health and can lead to malnutrition. By safely preparing food, we can lower the chances of children becoming malnourished from food borne illnesses.

What are some basic safe food preparation practices?

According to the World Health Organization there are important actions to take to ensure our food doesn't carry disease. These include:

1. Keep clean. Germs on hands and cooking utensils can get into food.

Wash hands before, during, and after preparing food.

Always wash hands after using the toilet.

Wash work surfaces and cooking equipment.

Keep animals and insects from touching food and work surfaces.

2. Separate raw and cooked ingredients. Raw meat, poultry, and seafood can contain dangerous microorganisms.

Keep raw meat, fish, and poultry separate from other foods.

Don't use the same knife or cutting surface for raw meats and other foods.

3. Cook thoroughly. Heat kills dangerous microorganisms.

Cook foods thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood.

Let foods like soups and stews boil before eating.

4. Keep food at safe temperatures. Dangerous microorganisms multiply at room temperature.

Keep cooked food hot until it is eaten. (60° C/140° F)

Don't keep cooked foods at room temperature for over two hours.

5. Use safe water and food. Spoiled foods and unclean water may contain dangerous microorganisms and chemicals.

In cooking, use water that is safe to drink.

Wash raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits with clean water before eating.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why Food Safety Is Essential to Children's Nutrition

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Food that is not prepared properly can be dangerous for children, leading to illness and even death. Use these safe food preparation practices in your home.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
COMO AYUDAR A LOS NIÑOS A TENER UNA BUENA SALUD DENTAL

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
God has provided us with the good things which come of the earth for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul ( Doctrine and Covenants 59:17, 19). One way we can enjoy and benefit from the food we eat is by protecting our dental health with good hygiene.

Parents play an important role in helping children learn and practice good oral hygiene. Healthy teeth and gums are important for young children's overall development and nutrition.

Why is it important to care for children's teeth?

People might think baby teeth aren't important because they eventually fall out, but baby teeth are important to a child's overall health and well-being. Teeth are important for better digestion and nourishment, and baby teeth in particular help keep space in the mouth for adult teeth that are developing. When a child loses baby teeth too early, it can cause permanent teeth to grow too close to one another.

If baby teeth are not taken care of, tooth decay can occur, which can cause infections with pain, swelling, and fevers. These infections can move to other parts of the body, which could put the child's health at risk.

How to Care for Children's Teeth

There are many things that parents can do to help care for their children's teeth. Use the recommendations below and others in the "Healthy Teeth" guide to learn how you can take care of your child's baby teeth.

Dental health professionals can identify and treat small problems before they become bigger problems. Some areas have low- or no-cost dental clinics available.

Dental disease can start at a young age. That's why it is important to start brushing a child's teeth as soon as they appear. Use fluoride toothpaste if it is available.

When brushing teeth of a child up to the age of two years old, use a small amount of toothpaste-about the size of a grain of rice. For children over the age of two, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

When a child has teeth close enough to touch one another (usually between two and six years of age), it is good to start using dental floss if available. Flossing helps remove food particles from areas that brushes cannot reach. It is important that children get used to teeth flossing early in their lives.

Brush young children's teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Help young children start brushing their own teeth as soon as they are able. Use playful ways to help children participate in toothbrushing. For example, sing while your child is brushing.

When children snack frequently, it can cause their teeth to decay. It is best when parents limit snacking.

Decay or cavities also can result when a child uses a bottle filled with milk, juice, or any drink other than water continually throughout the day. Children should not go to bed with a bottle (unless it's water). If a young child is using a pacifier, it should not be dipped in anything sweet.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Help Children Have Good Dental Health

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Healthy teeth and gums are important for young children's overall development and nutrition. Learn how you can help teach your children good oral hygiene.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
There are four kinds of undernutrition: stunting, wasting, underweight, and vitamin/mineral deficiency.

Stunting is a form of persistent or chronic malnutrition that slows normal growth and development, especially during a child's first few years of life. As a result, these children experience stunted growth (too short for their age), and reduced mental ability.

Wasting, on the other hand, is acute malnutrition or sudden weight loss that causes the body to break down its own muscle mass for energy, resulting in the child being too thin for their height. Children with this form of malnutrition have an increased risk of death, so treatment is required immediately.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are difficult to spot without additional tests, but the signs of a child being underweight, stunted, or wasted are similar. Here's what to look for:

Low height for age

Low body weight for height

Signs of low energy:

Difficulty concentrating

Slow reactions

Irritability

Frequent diarrhea

Slow wound healing and long recovery times

Lack of interest in food and drinks:

Reduced appetite

Frequent dehydration

Changes in hair:

Dry and breakable

Lightening of color

Hair loss

Sunken eyes

Hollow cheeks

Swollen, bleeding gums; decaying teeth

Swollen abdomen with small legs and arms

Numb, swollen hands and feet

Dry, scaly skin

Easily bruised skin; swelling under the skin (edema)

Why does overcoming childhood malnutrition matter?

From the time of conception through ages two to three, children experience their most rapid growth in both body and brain. Nutrient deficiency in a child's diet during these crucial years can have severe, long-term consequences on their health, physical and mental development, and overall well-being.

Poor nutrition can also cause other health problems. Malnutrition can weaken a child's immune system, making them more susceptible to diseases. These diseases can also affect how a malnourished child's body is able to absorb and use nutrients, which could make the malnutrition worse.

Severe malnutrition can be a life-threatening condition. Detecting signs of malnutrition may be the first step in saving a child's life. With treatment, the vicious cycle that malnutrition causes in the body can end, enhancing the child's quality of life and the child's ability to achieve their potential.

What should I do if my child is malnourished?

Malnourishment can happen for a variety of reasons, despite parents' best efforts to care for and feed their children. If your child or children are showing signs of malnutrition, there is help available.

Parents are key in helping a malnourished child. Once you're aware that your child shows signs of malnutrition, you should take your child to be seen by a health professional. A health professional can determine whether your child's growth and weight are normal for their age and height. Professionals will also use additional assessments to determine the stage of malnutrition.

Most often, treatment for malnutrition involves making changes to the child's diet, incorporating the right kind of healthy foods. Your bishop, ward council, and ministering brothers and sisters can help you learn about nutrition and achieve your goals. Your bishop can also help you access resources to improve your child's nutrition.

After making these changes, it's important to follow up with your health professional. They can measure your child's progress and development over time. Once your child has achieved a healthy weight, continue to check in with health professionals so you can get help with any changes that occur in your child's health.

Parents are key in helping a child who is malnourished. Once they become informed, they can take the necessary steps to improve their child's nutrition. Others may assist and teach parents in these efforts.

A child who shows signs of malnutrition should be seen by a health professional who can determine if a child is malnourished and inform parents what the child needs to recover.

How can I help others if I recognize signs of malnutrition?

If you notice a child with signs of malnutrition, consider ways you can help.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Malnutrition can have serious impacts on children. Learn the signs of malnutrition so you can intervene to help your children and others in your community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
QUE ESPERAR CUANDO SE RECIBE UN TRATAMIENTO DE DESNUTRICION

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Taking your child to a health clinic to be treated for malnutrition may seem overwhelming. But as Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson has said, "Jesus has a tender heart for children and He rejoices at even the smallest effort to help them." ¹

Here's what you need to know about taking your child to a health clinic for malnutrition.

When should I take my child to a health clinic?

If you attend a health screening and learn that your child has been classified as severely malnourished, you should take the child to a health clinic as soon as possible. At a health clinic, a trained health worker can assess your child, determine your child's needs, and make recommendations to help your child recover as quickly as possible.

It is important to act quickly if your child is severely malnourished, as malnutrition can impact a child's brain development and physical growth.

What treatments can I expect from a health clinic?

When you arrive at the health clinic, trained health professionals will conduct an assessment of your child. They will measure your child's height and weight. They may also listen to your child's heart, test their reflexes, and (depending on the circumstance) ask your child questions to assess their brain development.

Once this assessment is complete, the health professional will recommend a plan to treat your child's nutritional needs. They may recommend a food or liquid supplement to provide more nutrients in your child's diet and prevent dehydration. Things like disease or intestinal worms might also be making it difficult for your child to retain nutrients. In this case, your health worker may recommend medicine to prevent or eliminate intestinal worms. For other diseases, your health professional may give your child medicines like antibiotics to treat the illness. Health workers may also recommend immunizations to prevent other common diseases that impact nutrition.

How can I help children in my community?

Families may face several barriers to accessing malnutrition screenings and treatment at health clinics. Many may also feel confusion and apprehension about taking their child to a health clinic.

If malnutrition is a widespread problem in your area, consider what common barriers families may be experiencing. Is the affordability of care a consideration? The distance to the nearest clinic? A lack of understanding about how a clinic could help?

Once you've identified these barriers, consider ways to help local families overcome these barriers. Church leaders may want to consider:

Assisting with the cost of healthcare services.

Holding a meeting to teach Church members about the importance of nutrition screenings and the treatment resources available at local clinics.

Identifying local resources that can make it easier for families to get nutrition screenings for their children.

Hosting a stake nutrition screening to help parents easily access care.

In addition, friends, family members, and ministering brothers and sisters can help by identifying local clinics that provide affordable care, as well as community and government resources that may be available to make nutritional care more accessible. Share these resources with families that may need them-remembering to be sensitive to the feelings of the parents, who may feel embarrassed, ashamed, disappointed, or fearful about their child's nutritional health.

Counsel with the family to brainstorm simple steps they may take to address their child's nutritional needs. Offering assistance to help them overcome obstacles on their way will show Christ's love and provide much-needed support as they seek to help their child or children.

References

Camille N. Johnson, in "The Church of Jesus Christ Gives US$32 Million to the World Food Programme," Sept. 14, 2022.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What to Expect-Malnutrition at a Health Clinic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Taking your child to a health clinic may seem overwhelming. Here's what you need to know about taking your child to a health clinic for malnutrition.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
RECURSOS ADICIONALES SOBRE NUTRICION INFANTIL

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
TEMAS INFORMATIVOS - PORTAL ORGANIZACION MUNDIAL DE LA SALUD

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select.