The Foundations of Lifelong Health Are Built in Early Childhood

Abstract

A vital and productive society with a prosperous and sustainable future is built on a foundation of healthy child development. Health in the earliest years—actually beginning with the future mother’s health before she becomes pregnant—lays the groundwork for a lifetime of well-being. When developing biological systems are strengthened by positive early experiences, healthy children are more likely to grow into healthy adults. Sound health also provides a foundation for the construction of sturdy brain architecture and the associated achievement of a broad range of abilities and learning capacities.