Growth denotes increase in physical size of the body and development denotes improvement in skills and function of an individual. Together they denote physical, intellectual, emotional and social well being of a person. Show Normal growth and development is observed only if there is proper nutrition, without any recurrent episodes of infections and if there is freedom from adverse and environmental influences. Determinants of growth and development
Assessment of nutritional status2.1 Normal growth
2.2 Physical growth 2.2.1 Weight Most widely used and simplest, reproducible anthropometric measurements for the evaluation of nutritional status.
Technique for measurement To measure weight beam or lever accentuated scales with an accuracy of 50-100 g are preferred. Portable Salter scale (CMS Weighing Equipment, Ltd. England): the child is suspended from the scale which is hung from a branch or a tripod. Special "pants" are used to weigh babies. Robust, cheap, and easy to carry, these scales should be replaced after one year because of stretching of the spring and inaccurate readings. The model with readings up to 25 kg (x 100 g) is recommended. Bathroom scales are not recommended as errors up to 1.5 kgs can occur with this. Precautions to be taken while weighing
Standards
2.2.2. Height
Technique for measurement
Standards
2.2.3. Mid upper arm circumference
Technique
2.2.4 Body Fat
2.2.5 Head and Chest circumference
Technique
Standards
2.2.6 Behavioral development It is a complex affair spread in four fields
For proper behavioral development, it is important to have
2.2.7 Growth chart
In a growth chart other information like identification and registration, date of birth, weight,chronological age, immunization record, introduction of supplementary foods, episodes of sickness etc, are recorded. This chart can be easily understood by the mother and the health worker thus motivating them to improve the nutrition of the child. How to use the chart? Growth charts for children below five years
Uses of growth chart
Growth monitoring should be
Plot the growth curve and note that growth faltering can be deleterious. Growth chart for 5-19 years.
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