Poor bone health is increasingly becoming a common health issues and a concerning health issue. Expert weighs in about major causes of weak bones in children and what one may do to strengthen it.
The bones form an integral part of a child’s overall health, building on which starts very early in life to sustain a strong and active life. Bones for the blue print of the structure of the body. The requirement to ensure optimum bone health in children assumes greater importance in a country like India because of various environmental, dietary, and lifestyle factors. However, many challenges pose a potential threat to developing healthy bones in Indian children and underline the need for focused solutions.
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Challenges of Bone Health in Indian Children
- Nutritional Deficiencies: The biggest challenge to bone health in Indian children comes from nutritional deficiencies. India.com got in touch with Dr. Neeraj Gupta, Consultant, Paediatric Orthopaedics, Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad. He explained that calcium and Vitamin D are the two most indispensable quantities of nutrients that build up strong bones, but most children fall short on either one of them. The average Indian diet, particularly among the rural and poor urban populations, has inadequate dairy products and green leafy vegetables to provide a scarce intake of calcium. In addition, low levels of Vitamin D are expected to be commonplace due to limited sun exposure—Vitamin D is manufactured in the skin from exposure to the sun.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: The impact of digital technology on the lives of children now draws them into more indoor activities such as video games, watching television, etc., and develops a sedentary lifestyle. Physical activity is as important for bone health as it supports the formation of bones and their strength. An increasing concern of lack of regular exercise and outdoor play in urban areas further escalates the risk of weak bones.
- No Vitamin D Exposure: A few cultural practices also weaken bone health. For example, the popular cultural practice of keeping infants and young children at home during early morning hours forbids them from sunlight exposure. It might result in Vitamin D deficiency.
- Juvenile Arthritis: This is a form of arthritis in kids that cases swelling in joints, inflammation and stiffness. While children may outgrow the disease, it does impact the bone development in early age.
- Delayed Puberty: Late onset of puberty may affect bone health as well. According to different research, delayed puberty may affect bone mineral density that may lead osteoporosis risk.
Expert Backed Ways to Improve Bone Health
- Nutritional diet: It is essential to focus on the dietary practises at growing age in children, One should focus on intake of of calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, yoghurt, green, leafy vegetables, and other items enriched with Vitamin D and calcium to fill up the nutritional deficiency. Children most at risk may also be given these nutrients in the form of supplements, if suggested under the guidance of a physician.
- Physical Activity: Physical activities for running, jumping, and playing outdoor sports have and are very beneficial to developing strong bone density. That means encouraging children to participate in regular physical activity is critical, along with providing schools and neighbourhoods with safe and accessible playgrounds and exercise areas.
- Sun Exposure: Letting the child spend some time outside, mostly early in the morning or at dusk when the sun is not quite very hot, may also help in increasing their levels of Vitamin D. Even in an urban setting, this can be made possible by organising a routine and having a proper playtime to challenge activities conducted outdoors.
Indian children’s bone health is a matter of concern that has recently been the subject of increased anxiety due to a number of factors, including sedentary lifestyles, and nutritional deficiencies. Targeted treatments aimed at increasing physical activity, improving nutrition, and getting enough sun exposure can successfully address these issues. Children in India can be guaranteed to grow up with the strong and healthy bones required for an active and satisfying life when bone health is prioritised.