1 Table of Contents
Jaida Dozier
Introduction
Understanding the Layers of Influence and Health Challenges: The introduction describes the social ecological model and outlines its different levels. It explains the framework that will guide all of the following chapters.
Physical Health
Let’s Get Fit: The Positive Influence of Physical Activity: Physical activity is any movement that requires energy usage. This chapter highlights the dangers of children not being physically active and explains how they can improve their physical health.
From Roots to Reach: Social Factors in Childhood Obesity: Childhood obesity poses risks for long-term health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. This chapter examines causes, preventative measures, and the role of education in promoting healthy habits.
Safe Sleep, Sound Futures: Breaking the Silence on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) suddenly and unexpectedly takes the life of an infant under one year old, most often during sleep. This section provides information on risk factors, safe sleep practices, and ongoing advocacy to reduce its rates.
Four Levels of Action: Supporting Families and Systems to Reduce Food Insecurity and Poor Nutrition: Poor nutrition and food insecurity hinder physical health, cognitive development, and academic achievement. The authors explore the root causes, long-term effects, and strategies to improve food access and diet quality.
The Silent Battle: The Complex World of Eating Disorders: Abnormal eating patterns, including diagnosed eating disorders, can severely impact physical and mental health. Contributing factors, prevention methods, common signs/symptoms, and effective treatment options are covered.
Preventing Fetal Macrosomia: A Socioecological Approach to Maternal and Infant Health: A baby who has fetal macrosomia, a condition of the baby being above a normal size and weight, can develop various health conditions. The author explores the risk factors, early detection, and prenatal support.
Emotional and Psychological Development
Early Intervention of Autism: Autism and other neurodivergent conditions can affect cognitive and social abilities. This section highlights the importance of early detection, treatment strategies, and community support.
Teen Alcohol Abuse: Awareness, Action, Change: Alcohol abuse involves the abnormal consumption of alcohol, which can lead to addiction and health challenges. Ideas for detection, prevention, treatment options, and the societal impact are explored.
The Power of Intervention: Key Strategies to End Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is a public health crisis that involves acts or threats of violence or abuse. This section explores the mental, physical, and social consequences of abuse, emphasizing multi-level interventions and support systems for survivors.
Shattered Innocence: The Reality of Child Sexual Abuse: Child sexual abuse refers to any exploitative sexual act imposed on a child. The devastating psychological, physical, and emotional impacts are shared with preventive strategies and building support systems.
Approaches to Supporting Families Through Divorce: Divorce separates a married couple and often causes emotional, financial, and social challenges that deeply affect their children. This chapter discusses the emotional, financial, and social repercussions and how families can build resilience through parenting skills during the transition.
Parental Mental Health and Its Effects on Children: Parental mental health struggles shape their children’s emotional and social development. The authors disclose how these challenges affect children and explore ideas to prevent, address, and build support for them.
Social and Environmental Health
The Digital Divide: Technology transforms how children learn, connect, and play, but also introduces challenges like screen addiction. This double-edged impact on childhood development poses challenges for parents to navigate and address in order to have beneficial outcomes.
Maternal Health in Prisons and Jails: Mothers in prisons and jails face neglect, leading to inadequate care for pregnant women and mothers. This chapter sheds light on their unique needs and calls for systemic reforms to ensure compassionate healthcare.
Affording a Healthier Tomorrow: Financial stability ensures access to basic necessities, reduces stress, and promotes overall well-being. The authors focus on building financial security at the personal, organizational, and governmental levels.
Play-Based Childhood versus Phone-Based Childhood: Increased use of technology shapes the way children grow, learn, and play. This segment emphasizes how encouraging active, imaginative play can support healthy development and create a better balance with screen time.
Children Need Healthcare: Access to healthcare helps prevent and treat physical and mental health issues. In addition, the authors advocate for healthcare providers to build trust and understanding of different cultures to give better care to all families
