The Foundations of Lifelong Health Are Built in Early Childhood

Advances in neuroscience, molecular biology and genomics have led researchers to conclude that early experiences are built into our bodies. Health in the earliest years builds the foundation for a lifetime of vitality.

The report, produced by Harvard University’s Center for the Developing Child and published in July 2010, finds that significant adversity, experienced in early childhood, can produce lasting harm on the body. Negative experiences and environmental influences can undermine the development of the body’s stress response systems and affect the developing brain, cardiovascular system, immune system and metabolic regulatory controls. These early experiences can persist far beyond childhood, trickling into adulthood and leading to lifelong impairments in both physical and mental health. An interactive feature demonstrates how early experiences are biologically embedded in the developing body.

The report concludes with a call for innovation in policy. Policy often focuses on health promotion and disease prevention for adults, but there is much to be done to strengthen prenatal and early childhood care, according to the report. Additionally, disjointed medical care during crucial periods of preconception, pregnancy and early childhood needs better coordination.
 

Read the report.