CD – Building Healthy Adults; Laying the Foundation in Childhood (2015)
There is a growing burden of chronic disease in healthcare around the world. Diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, cancer and neurological conditions all classically affect adults, and increase in incidence with aging. A significant body of literature indicates that the foundation for all these conditions are laid in childhood; indeed, from fetal development onward. Malnutrition, physical inactivity, chemical exposure, social/digital media use and chronic stress/trauma can all affect growth and development of children through epigenetic and behavioural mechanisms, leading to poor health outcomes in adulthood.
Children are uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of these influences in a variety of key ways, most significantly their tremendous plasticity with respect to development and differentiation of cells and tissues. This presentation will provide the theory of the “developmental origins of adult disease”, highlight the research that supports this concept, and provide practical strategies which attendees can apply to their pediatric practices to mitigate detrimental effects, and optimize conditions for lifelong health.
Current recommendations on screening, anticipatory guidance and wellness promotion in children will be incorporated.