Q & A: Keeping Kids Healthy
1. True or False: Decreasing the intake of refi ned and processed sugar during childhood
decreases the risk of chronic diseases later in life?
ANSWER: True. Poor quality nutrition during childhood, particularly during the fi rst
ten years, sets the stage for developing cavities, fatigue, diffi culty concentrating and
headaches now, and chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and
diabetes later in life.
2. True or False: Restriction of fats intake during childhood contributes to optimal
growth and reduces the risk of obesity in adulthood?
ANSWER: True and False. Saturated fats should not exceed 5% of the total diet; the
remainder containing roughly equal amounts of mono- and polyunsaturated fats.
Fats are needed for brain function and development, tissue growth, hormone production
and disease protection. Best sources are mercury free omega 3 oils from fi sh, fl ax
and algae (high DHA) and unprocessed grains for omega 6 oils.
3. What minerals are often lacking in the diets of children and adolescents?
A. Copper, manganese, magnesium
B. Iron, calcium, zinc
C. Selenium, iron, chromium
D. Zinc, potassium, sodium
ANSWER: B. Iron, calcium, zinc: low iron can contribute to learning disabilities, fatigue
and “growing pains”; calcium is needed for bone growth, blood clotting and
nervous system health; zinc is required for thinking, tissue repair and immunity.
4. Requirements for which vitamins peak during adolescent and teenage years?
A. Biotin, folic acid, vitamin K, B5
B. Vitamin C, vitamin A, B6, Niacin
C. Thiamin, biotin, vitamin A, B12
D. Folic acid, B6, B12, vitamin C
ANSWER: D. Requirements for B vitamins increase with increasing energy needs for
growth and mental function. A diet containing a variety of fruits and vegetables
should be consumed. Furthermore, a balanced supplement containing a mixture of
theses vitamins are important, especially for a child who eats poorly (i.e., juicing of
fruits and/or vegetables with dehydrated powered supplements added for optimal
nutrition).
5. Keeping your kids healthy consists of?
A. Adequate sleep
B. Adequate water intake
C. Reduce processed/junk food
D. Develop good eating habits
E. Relaxation and a manageable
schedule
F. All of the above
ANSWER: E. All of the above.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
