Chapter 11 Passport to Better Health and Education Outcomes for Tasmania’s Children
In: Harnessing the Transformative Power of EducationSearch for other papers by Andrew P. Hills in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Megan Gibson in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Trevor Brown in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Purchase instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Abstract
The foundations of a productive, sustainable society include educational opportunity and healthy child development for all. A strong foundation or ‘passport’ to better health and education could be considered on the basis of the set of positive early life experiences necessary to optimise and facilitate a broad range of skills and learning capacities. The health and early education of infants and young children commences with the health and wellbeing of future parents and their subsequent investment in the development of the learning potential of their children. Preconception health and health during pregnancy are key foundational elements necessary for children to flourish (or not) and reach their potential (or not) as adults. The same may be said for educational attainment as both the physical and mental health of children are influenced by poor practices of future parents during the critical periods of preconception, pregnancy and the post-partum. Similarly, the health and developmental opportunities of children during the early childhood years have the potential to impact short-term health and have likely implications for health and education outcomes in the medium- and longer-term. Key components of the physical health and wellbeing of children, and with implications for their ability to flourish from both health and education perspectives, are adequate physical activity and optimal nutrition. The focus of this chapter is on the role of physical activity and nutrition as key ingredients of a ‘passport’ for better health and wellbeing and as a foundation for maximising associated educational outcomes.