What Are Lifestyle Disorders In Children And How To Prevent Them?

Recently, an alarming increase in lifestyle disorders among children has raised concerns. A survey suggests, 1 in 8 children are at lifestyle disease risk in India. Lifestyle disorders refer to health conditions primarily caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices such as lack of physical activity, consuming junk food and overindulgence in gadgets. These are prominently observed in Urban areas. It led to chronic illnesses, particularly heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and several forms of cancer.

In this blog, we will shed light on prominent lifestyle disorders in children such as vision disorders, childhood obesity etc —and explore their impact on academic performance. Additionally, we will discuss preventive measures, such as school health check-ups, that can help curb these disorders and promote a healthier lifestyle for children.

Vision Disorders:

In today's digital age, children are exposed to screens more than ever before. Prolonged screen time can lead to various vision problems, including myopia (near-sightedness), astigmatism, and eye strain. Vision disorders not only affect a child's visual acuity but can also impact their academic performance. Struggling to see the whiteboard or read textbooks can hinder their ability to learn effectively.

Prevention:

• Encourage regular breaks from screen time and engage children in outdoor activities.
• Promote good posture and ensure proper lighting conditions while using screens.
• Advocate for routine eye examinations to detect and address vision problems early.
• An advanced eye check-up in schools helps to diagnose undetected eye issues in children and parents can take corrective measures on time.

Childhood Obesity:

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in India. Sedentary lifestyles, excessive consumption of sugary drinks and fast food, and limited physical activity contribute to this health concern. Obesity not only affects a child's physical well-being but also affects their academics. Obese children often experience reduced concentration, low self-esteem, and increased absenteeism due to associated health issues.

Prevention:

• Encourage a balanced and nutritious diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Promote regular physical activity through sports, outdoor play, and family exercise routines.
• Raise awareness about healthy lifestyle choices through educational programs and community initiatives.
• Annual BMI screening and body composition analysis aids to identify the risk for childhood obesity. Through a high-tech school health check-up schools and parents gets insights about risk factors and can swiftly act upon them.

Dental Problems:

Poor oral health habits, including irregular brushing, excessive consumption of sugary foods, and inadequate dental care, can lead to dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. These issues can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty in eating, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Moreover, dental problems can significantly impact a child's academic performance by causing distraction, absenteeism, and discomfort during learning.

Prevention:

• Encourage proper oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice a day and flossing regularly.
• Promote a balanced diet low in sugary snacks and beverages.
• Periodic dental check-ups in schools identify and address any oral health concerns promptly.
• A school health program is needed for an hour to address lifestyle disorders in time, as working parents can not take out time for all these preventive screenings separately.

Nutritional deficiencies:  

Nutritional deficiencies are a common consequence of unhealthy choices and can contribute to the development of various lifestyle disorders. Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins, can weaken the immune system, impair cognitive function, and increase the risk of chronic diseases.

Lifestyle disorders such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even mental health issues can often be linked to poor nutrition. Therefore, adopting a well-balanced diet and making informed food choices are vital for preventing and managing lifestyle disorders associated with nutritional deficiencies.

Prevention:

• Encourage balanced meal habits in school as well as in households.
• Avoid junk food and incorporate healthy snack options in the child's diet.
• A school health program with preventive screening along with nutritional assessment aids in diagnosing deficiencies, moreover diet modifications are possible to ensure four square meals.

The Role of Preventive Screening through School Health Check-ups:

Preventive screening plays a crucial role in mitigating lifestyle disorders in children. School health check-ups provide an excellent opportunity to monitor and address these disorders proactively.

Regular screenings can help identify early signs of vision problems, obesity, and dental issues, malnutrition, mental disturbances enabling timely interventions and appropriate treatments. By integrating preventive screenings into the school curriculum, we can ensure that children receive the necessary medical attention and guidance to lead healthier lives.

Lifestyle disorders in children, such as vision disorders, childhood obesity, dental problems, malnutrition, and mental issues can significantly impact their academic performance and overall well-being.

It is our collective responsibility to take proactive measures to prevent lifestyle disorders. Vigour360 school health programs facilitate high-tech screening with AI-powered and US FDA-approved devices. Our  World -Class Services help in the prevention of lifestyle disorders and overcome academic barriers. Let's work together to create a healthier future for the next generation.