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Children's Health in a Changing World

As parents, protecting our children's health is always a top priority. While we are familiar with common ailments and diseases, today's rapidly changing world presents new, often silent, threats to our children's well-being. It is normal to feel worried or confused about how best to support our child’s health. We must be aware of these emerging risks and intervene by modelling healthy habits for our children.

Modern-Day Challenges Impacting Children’s Health:

1) Screen Time Epidemic: With 24/7 access to free content, digital exposure starts early and is an essential part of modern life. Children spend more hours on screens, and parents also use screens to distract toddlers during mealtimes and to keep them occupied. This increased digital engagement reduces physical activity, causes sleep disturbances, eye strain, weakened bones and muscles, and reduced attention span.

What parents can do:

  • Be a role model by reducing your own screen time, especially when your children are present.
  • Set consistent daily limits for screen use and create phone-free zones like dining areas and bedrooms.
  • Encourage and join your child in outdoor play, sports, reading, and creative activities.
  • Discuss safe and responsible internet use to protect them from online risks.

2) The Rising Tide of Childhood Obesity: Childhood obesity is a growing concern, driven by sedentary lifestyles, high-sugar, low-fibre diets, easy access to processed and fast foods via delivery apps, and less outdoor play. This increases children's risk of developing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and mental health challenges. We are now seeing prediabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver in children, earlier seen only in adults.

What parents can do:

  • Prioritise home-cooked meals and limit processed and packaged items.
  • Encourage a "rainbow diet" of seasonal and locally sourced foods, including a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables.
  • Promote regular physical activity through family walks, outdoor play

3) Environmental Pollution: Exposure to pollution, climate change-related issues, and unsafe urban environments is affecting children’s respiratory health, such as asthma, allergies, and other breathing issues. Parents often feel helpless in the face of these larger challenges.

What parents can do:

  • When pollution levels are high, limit outdoor activities and have children wear a face mask.
  • Use air purifiers at home to enhance indoor air quality and provide safe and clean drinking water.
  • Encourage children to play in green, low-pollution areas and avoid highly polluted zones.

4) Malnutrition and Re-emerging Infections: While obesity is rising, malnutrition continues to affect large sections of the population, leading to anaemia, stunted growth, and susceptibility to infections. At the same time, diseases like tuberculosis and dengue are re-emerging. Parents may feel overwhelmed managing such diverse threats. Clear communication about preventive strategies, immunisation, and nutritional guidance can empower families to take proactive steps.

What parents can do:

  • Nutrition advice should be about foods that are easy for you to get and afford, not just costly supplements or special diets.
  • Quick cooking demos, like showing tasty iron-rich meals, can make healthy eating simple and doable at home.
  • If you have questions or worries about vaccines, reach out for the facts so you can feel confident about keeping your child safe.
  • Check what support is available in your area, like government nutrition programs. These can help your family and might be new to you.

5) Mental Health & Sleep Deprivation: Increased academic stress, social pressures, and constant digital exposure contribute to higher rates of stress, anxiety, and depression in children. Poor sleep, often due to late-night device use and irregular routines, further exacerbates mental health issues, leading to irritability, learning difficulties, and weakened immunity.

What parents can do:

  • Encourage open communication. Create a safe space for your child to speak up and express their feelings and concerns without judgment.
  • Set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time.
  • Keep devices out of the bedroom and create a digital curfew an hour before bedtime, and watch out for digital withdrawal symptoms.

6) Developmental Issues: Delays in speech, learning difficulties, and autism spectrum disorders are increasingly being diagnosed. It is normal to feel worried, confused, or even scared. Many parents misunderstand, feel embarrassed and therefore are in denial. It is important to remember that you are not alone, and help is available. Early support can open doors to important programs that can help your child reach their full potential.

What parents can do:

  • Pay close attention to your child's development; do not ignore it.
  • Do not hesitate to consult professionals if you have concerns.
  • Work closely with teachers and specialists to ensure a supportive learning environment for your child.

In summary, as a parent, here are valuable ways to engage, spend more time and support your child’s health and growth.

  • Pay attention to your child’s mental and emotional health by encouraging open conversations and creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Share your own life experiences.
  • Eat Together: Make mealtimes a regular opportunity for family connection and healthy eating. Focus on natural food.
  • Exercise as a family, go for walks, picnic, or play sports.
  • Set clear boundaries for device use and consistently follow them yourself.
  • Ensure child's routine vaccinations and regular health check-ups
  • Be the role model for them to emulate

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