Prevention of Lifestyle Diseases in Children

Dr.Sameer Punia, 2 mins read

Nowadays, “Lifestyle Disease” has become a buzzword, which simply means a disease caused by daily lifestyle choices. These diseases include obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues and hypertension. Such diseases are usually seen among upper-middle and higher-society children.

The common culprits behind the rising number of these non-communicable lifestyle diseases are increased screen time, poor diet and lack of physical activity. Looking at how these diseases are growing, they have become a global concern. Thus, it’s important to be more cautious about your children's lifestyle choices.

What are lifestyle diseases?

With more development and civilization, lifestyle diseases have become prevalent. These diseases have recently taken the headlines as disabilities and deaths due to such conditions have been soaring continuously for the last few years.

Lifestyle diseases refer to the diseases caused by our daily choices and how we live. But what exactly are these choices? Well, these include your diet, screen time, social relations, posture, and physical activities.

What are the common lifestyle diseases?

Obesity
Hypertension
Heart disease
Stroke
Gastrointestinal problems
Cancer
Chronic liver disease
Chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD)
Chronic kidney disease
Diabetes mellitus
Stress
Anxiety
Computer vision syndrome (CVS)
Depression

Why are they becoming common among children?

Lifestyle diseases are becoming common among children due to physical inactivity, poor dietary habits, disturbed biological clock, unhealthy sleeping habits, wrong body posture, mental stress, excessive weight gain, social isolation and increased screen time.

How are lifestyle diseases different from other diseases?

As these diseases are lifestyle-related, they are comparatively preventable. Modifying your diet, reducing screen time, improving social interaction, increasing physical activity and taking critical measures to keep the body in good shape can do wonders for you.

How to prevent lifestyle diseases?

• Give your child a balanced and healthy diet by including vegetables, fruits and cereals in their routine.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of water and avoid sweetened and carbonated beverages.
• Limit their junk and processed food and unhealthy beverages.
• Be a role model to your child by practising healthy habits in front of them.
• Set a family mealtime and stick with it. And avoid distraction while having meals like turning off the TV.
• Make mealtime conversation with your kids. Avoid nagging and arguing to prevent
• your children from stress, which can further lead to emotional overeating.
• Encourage your child to play outside and limit their screen time to no more than 2 hours a day.
• Help your child to get in good shape by involving them in a weight management program.
• Help your child to engage in face-to-face social interactions.
• Encourage your child to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Ensure they are getting around 7 to 8 hours of night sleep.
• Talk to them daily to know whether they are going through any stress. If you find any abnormal signs, discuss the problem with them and get help from a mental health professional if needed.