| Development: |
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Physical development slows but agility and coordination improve. Muscle growth is equal for both sexes but strength is dependent on the amount of exercise. Have a high energy level. Television should be limited to 1 hour a day. Only let them watch age appropriate programs that should be discussed as a family. Chubbiness at the age of 8-9 does not always mean future obesity. In girls it may be an indication of the beginning of maturation. Development of secondary sex characteristics with organ enlargement begins 2-4 years before puberty: Girls - growth spurt at 9-14 years; breast enlargement at 8-13 years; menses at 10-16 years. Boys - growth spurt at 10 ½ - 13 ½ years; enlarged testes at 9 ½ - 13 ½ years.
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| Nutrition: |
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They should begin learning the basic food groups because they can understand the difference between nutritious and junk foods. Offer 3 meals and 2 nutritious snacks a day to encourage the development of a lifetime habit of healthy eating. Model and encourage good eating habits. Allow them to participate in meal planning, shopping and meal preparation.
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| Oral Health: |
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Teeth are gradually replaced in the same order that they came in. Schedule regular dental visits every 6 months. Encourage brushing and flossing the teeth, at least two times a day.
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| Sleep: |
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Encourage adequate sleep. In general 10-12 hours a night is adequate, but this will vary according to your child’s needs. 8-9 PM is the suggested bedtime for 6-9 year olds.
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| Elimination: |
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In general boys have more problems with constipation and soiling than girls. If constipation and soiling are a continuing problem please speak with your physician.
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| Behavior: |
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They begin learning how to interact and play according to the rules, but find it difficult to lose. By the age of 8, sportsmanship is a group standard, and they can interact well enough to enjoy team sports. Encourage participation rather than winning.
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| Injury Prevention: |
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Always wear seat belts. Helmets should be worn at all times when riding a bike. Most injuries on bikes involve falls, not cars. Reinforce bike safety rules and the proper use traffic signals. Provide supervision in a safe environment before and after school. Guns should be stored outside the home if possible. If not, lock them in a cabinet and keep the ammunition in a separate location. A trigger lock is another important precaution. Enforce consistent, explicit, and firm rules for safe behavior.
Reinforce safety rules regarding:
- Swimming - Teach the child how to swim. Pools should have a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Children should be supervised by an adult whenever they are in or near the water.
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- Home - Conduct fire drills and check smoke detectors. Lock up poisons, matches, and electrical tools.
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- Traveling to an from school- Reinforce pedestrian safety skills.
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- Interacting with strangers - Discuss answering the door and phone, and warn against getting into cars.
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- Sports - Use protective sports gear such as a mouth guard or face protector.
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- Playground safety.
Enforce the use of sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater before going out to play or swim.
Continue to keep the child’s environment smoke free.
Begin to talk with your child about avoiding street drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
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| A physical examination is recommended every 1-3 years depending on your child’s needs.
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