As a result of increased access to medical care and early childhood vaccinations, many formerly life-threatening diseases have now been controlled.
However, there are still many health risks threatening the safety of U.S. children today — and it’s important to not only recognize them, but be aware of ways to reduce the risks.
1. Child obesity:
According to State of Obesity’s most recent data 13.5 percent of Pennsylvania children between the ages of 10-17 are overweight or obese, increasing their chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, stroke, osteoarthritis, and cancer. Minimize their risk by teaching them to follow a healthy diet and exercise schedule when they are young, building habits that they can continue as they grow up.
2. Stress:
It’s not just an adult problem—stress has serious health effects on children, potentially causing stomachaches, headaches, sleep problems, loss of interest, and falling grades. Help your children handle stress by ensuring they get plenty of sleep, and keeping communication open to discuss and alleviate any sources of stress.
3. Bullying:
Some 160,000 students stay home from school each day because of bullying, according to the National Education Association. Research has associated bullying with a greater risk of psychological problems, including depression, anxiety disorders, and suicidal thoughts later in life. To give your child the tools to deal with bullying: model respectful self-assertion, keep open communication, and teach your children to intervene if they witness bullying.
4. Pneumonia:
According to the World Health Organization, pneumonia is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide. The disease can be prevented with simple interventions and low-cost, low-tech medication and vaccinations, adequate nutrition from an early age, and protection from environmental factors such as indoor air pollution.
5. Internet Safety:
There are many potentially unhealthy activities that can occur because of the Internet, from cyber bullying to online predators. To reduce risk, use parental controls, supervise Internet use, and communicate with your kids early on about establishing safe Internet habits.
