Top 5 Health Concerns for Kids

Top 5 Health Concerns for Kids

1. Childhood Obesity – At triple the rate from just one generation ago, 17% of all children and adolescents in the United States are affected by obesity. Just like in adults, childhood obesity can have harmful affects on the body in many different ways. They are more likely to have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These two things are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

In one study done on childhood obesity, 70% had at least one CVD risk factor, and 39% had two or more. They had increased risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. Some breathing problems, such as asthma, and sleep apnea. Other problems are gastro-esophageal reflux, gallstones, fatty liver disease, joint problems, musculoskeletal discomfort. They also have a greater risk of social and psychological problems, such as discrimination and poor self-esteem, which can continue into adulthood. Obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe, if children are overweight.

2. Drug Abuse – There are risks and protective factors that can affect children at different stages of their lives. One behavior that can be changed or be prevented is aggressive behavior. Family, school, and community interventions are ways of helping children to develop appropriate, positive behaviors. If the negative behaviors are not addressed, they can lead to more risks. The most common drug abuse among children and teens are alcohol and marijuana. Some of these risks, such as academic failure and social difficulties, put children at further risk for later drug abuse. This could lead to depression, anxiety, and various other mental health issues.

3. Smoking – Smoking is a very real problem today. Some kids unfortunately are starting to smoke as young as 11 or 12 years old. Most American children have tried smoking before they leave school. Since most adults are aware of the dangers of smoking, many are stopping. But guess what, the majority of new smokers are under the age of 18.

4. Internet Safety – The internet can be a great resource for kids. They can use it to research for school, communicate with teachers and other kids, and play interactive games. If they can punch in a few letters on a keyboard, kids can literally access the world. But with one missed keystroke, it can become something which may contain pornographic material. That’s why it is important to monitor your kids. Know what they see and hear on the internet. And also what they share about themselves online.

5. Stress – We all know that adults have stress, but we don’t realize sometimes that kids can have stress, also. Even very young children have worries and feel stress to some degree. In preschoolers, separation can cause anxiety. And when kids get older, academic and social pressures (especially from trying to fit in) create stress. Sometimes a kids home life can cause stress. Kids sometime hear adults talking about their problems, which will cause them to start to worry. World news can cause stress when children see disturbing images on TV or hear talk of natural disasters, war, and terrorism. They may worry about their own safety and that of the people they love.

Sources:
Health Effects of Childhood Obesity, CDC
Eric Schaps, Ph.D., Preventing Drug Abuse among Children and Adolescents, NIDA
Childhood Smoking, Stop Smoking Stay Sli m
Internet Safety, Kids Health
Childhood Stress, Kids Health


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