From an ever younger age, children are being expected to take exams and to think about their future. Perhaps it is understandable in a globalised world with finite resources that children are facing a greater amount of pressure within the classroom. Economic growth is perceived to be vital to a nation's well-being, and without a skilled, educated population it obviously becomes more difficult to achieve any kind of growth. Thus, politicians are always tinkering with the education system in an attempt to get more children to learn vital skills and to become the best of the best.
However, in the end, all this pressure could simply backfire, since children who spend all the time studying and being told that you have to be academically successful in life to get anywhere could end up stressed and anxious the whole time. Instead of enjoying their childhood, they spend more time indoors completing their homework than playing with friends. They learn from an early age that the world is a competitive place and that to get anywhere you have to work hard. Clearly, instilling a good work ethic is a good thing, but why at such an early age?
Children are being led to believe that they have to perform well in every essay they write and exam they complete and feel that they are failing to live up to expectations if they do not perform as well as they expected or as was expected of them. Of course, it could be argued that this motivates children to try harder in future. However, it is worth recognising that not all children are academically gifted. For some children, it is always going to be difficult to achieve good grades, because they're just not that smart when it comes to a conventional education.
That doesn't mean that they cannot succeed in other areas of life. If they are given access to a vocational education, they may begin to flourish, or they may need to discover their creative side. However, in many societies it is an academic education which is viewed as being somehow superior. Politicians, entrepreneurs and others from the higher echelons of society usually attended university when they were younger and it is they who decide how to run the country. Those with a vocational education have a vital contribution to play to society, but often they are not valued as highly.
Thus, at school there tends to be a great deal of emphasis on getting children to perform well in exams, so that they have more options. Yet, even though teachers may want their students to do well, there are also administrators working within the education system who are more concerned about good grades, because of the implications for the reputation of the school. Consequently, an increasing amount of pressure is being placed on children to succeed not only for their own sake, but also for the sake of individual schools and the education system at large.
It certainly seems that there is too much pressure on children to succeed when so many are becoming stressed and depressed about their future and failing to enjoy their childhood as much as they perhaps should.
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Monday, 2 December 2013
Sunday, 1 December 2013
Why do Children Spend so much Time Watching Television?
In today's society, children will happily spend hours in front of the television, flicking through hundreds of channels or watching DVDs. It used to be that children would go outside to play games with their friends and have a good run around, but that began to change once owning a television became the norm. As television ownership increased, so did the number of channels available, and consequently the range of programmes. As a result, there are now many more channels and programmes designed specifically with children in mind. Plus, many households have more than one television, so children can go to their rooms to watch what they want.
Whilst the children are in their bedrooms, watching television, their parents are most probably doing exactly the same thing downstairs, only the programmes being watched are likely to differ! Since parents can't be bothered to do anything other than watch television it is not surprising that children spend so much time watching television as well. From an early age, parents often stick their children in front of the television, and so this is what children are familiar with. There seems to be no reason for children to go outside and play when their parents are happy for them to stay indoors.
However, it is this general lack of activity that is one of the reasons for the prevalence of childhood obesity in society. Children would prefer to be watching television or playing computer games than running around, which means they are not burning as many calories as they should be. Combined with a poor diet, this lack of exercise will lead to excessive weight gain that could lead to health problems later down the line. It therefore makes you wonder why parents don't do more to encourage their children to take up a sport and get active, rather than letting them watch so much television.
The trouble is that many parents lead sedentary lifestyles that they then pass on to their children. They don't bother to exercise and may struggle with their weight, and so have no idea how to encourage their children to adopt healthier habits. They aren't even prepared to let their children go outside alone because of the potential dangers. Parents often fear that their children could be run over by a car when crossing the road or abducted by a stranger. Knowing that their children are safe and sound upstairs or in the living room is reassuring, even if it means their children miss out on exercise.
Watching television is a part of everyday life for most children because it is an activity that requires very little effort. Parents usually spend their free time watching television, as well, whilst occasionally there will be a television show that the whole family can watch together. There are some television programmes which have a certain amount of educational value, but most children would prefer to watch cartoons and entertainment programmes than anything educational. Thus, instead of doing something more productive with their time, children simply laze around watching too much television, seemingly because their parents can't be bothered to encourage their children to do anything else.
Whilst the children are in their bedrooms, watching television, their parents are most probably doing exactly the same thing downstairs, only the programmes being watched are likely to differ! Since parents can't be bothered to do anything other than watch television it is not surprising that children spend so much time watching television as well. From an early age, parents often stick their children in front of the television, and so this is what children are familiar with. There seems to be no reason for children to go outside and play when their parents are happy for them to stay indoors.
However, it is this general lack of activity that is one of the reasons for the prevalence of childhood obesity in society. Children would prefer to be watching television or playing computer games than running around, which means they are not burning as many calories as they should be. Combined with a poor diet, this lack of exercise will lead to excessive weight gain that could lead to health problems later down the line. It therefore makes you wonder why parents don't do more to encourage their children to take up a sport and get active, rather than letting them watch so much television.
The trouble is that many parents lead sedentary lifestyles that they then pass on to their children. They don't bother to exercise and may struggle with their weight, and so have no idea how to encourage their children to adopt healthier habits. They aren't even prepared to let their children go outside alone because of the potential dangers. Parents often fear that their children could be run over by a car when crossing the road or abducted by a stranger. Knowing that their children are safe and sound upstairs or in the living room is reassuring, even if it means their children miss out on exercise.
Watching television is a part of everyday life for most children because it is an activity that requires very little effort. Parents usually spend their free time watching television, as well, whilst occasionally there will be a television show that the whole family can watch together. There are some television programmes which have a certain amount of educational value, but most children would prefer to watch cartoons and entertainment programmes than anything educational. Thus, instead of doing something more productive with their time, children simply laze around watching too much television, seemingly because their parents can't be bothered to encourage their children to do anything else.
Friday, 29 November 2013
Why Children Are Not Getting Enough Exercise
It is vitally important for children to exercise if they are to grow into strong, healthy adults. Whilst there are some children who regularly go outside to play, running around without a care in the world, there are many more children who sit at home in their bedrooms, playing computer games. It is obviously up to parents to encourage their children to exercise, but that doesn't mean they always do. Some are reluctant to allow their children to go outside alone, but are too lazy to take them to the park or for a walk in the country themselves, so that it becomes much more convenient to let their children watch television or play on their computers.
Getting a child active in early life will enable him to maintain a healthy body weight; build strong muscles, bones and joints; get a better night's sleep; improve his self-esteem; reduce the risk of depression and anxiety; whilst improving his overall health. Exercise needs to become a habit for children, so that they don't grow into the kind of adult who sits around all day, stuffing his face and getting heavier and dangerously unhealthy, as a result. However, children learn from their parents and when parents do not make an effort to exercise and, indeed, paint exercise in a negative light, their children are, of course, going to pick up on this.
If parents drive everywhere and drive their children everywhere, children get used to this and so don't see why they should bother to walk. Children should be doing at least an hour of exercise a day, but many fall short of this. They get driven to school, perhaps play in the playground at break time or perhaps not, then get driven home where they spend their time doing their homework or playing games. They are not burning off all that extra energy children have, as it is not what is expected of them. When their friends are chatting or playing games online, that is what they do, too.
It doesn't help that parents may not have the time or inclination to take their children for a walk in the park or to the swimming pool for a swim. Many parents would prefer to sit down and relax, themselves. They may not realise how important exercise is for young children, particularly if their child doesn't appear to have a weight problem. Consequently, there is no reason to get their child to exercise, especially if it means having to let him go out alone. There is always going to be a fear that he could get run over or have an accident or be abducted, no matter how small the risk.
Children are unlikely to challenge the fact they're not getting enough exercise, though, when they're perfectly content in front of their big television screens, chomping away on chocolate and crisps. In the long run, though, they could find themselves putting on too much weight and developing health problems. Children may not realise this fact, but it is the responsibility of parents to educate their children about the importance of leading an active lifestyle, which it seems many are failing to do.
Getting a child active in early life will enable him to maintain a healthy body weight; build strong muscles, bones and joints; get a better night's sleep; improve his self-esteem; reduce the risk of depression and anxiety; whilst improving his overall health. Exercise needs to become a habit for children, so that they don't grow into the kind of adult who sits around all day, stuffing his face and getting heavier and dangerously unhealthy, as a result. However, children learn from their parents and when parents do not make an effort to exercise and, indeed, paint exercise in a negative light, their children are, of course, going to pick up on this.
If parents drive everywhere and drive their children everywhere, children get used to this and so don't see why they should bother to walk. Children should be doing at least an hour of exercise a day, but many fall short of this. They get driven to school, perhaps play in the playground at break time or perhaps not, then get driven home where they spend their time doing their homework or playing games. They are not burning off all that extra energy children have, as it is not what is expected of them. When their friends are chatting or playing games online, that is what they do, too.
It doesn't help that parents may not have the time or inclination to take their children for a walk in the park or to the swimming pool for a swim. Many parents would prefer to sit down and relax, themselves. They may not realise how important exercise is for young children, particularly if their child doesn't appear to have a weight problem. Consequently, there is no reason to get their child to exercise, especially if it means having to let him go out alone. There is always going to be a fear that he could get run over or have an accident or be abducted, no matter how small the risk.
Children are unlikely to challenge the fact they're not getting enough exercise, though, when they're perfectly content in front of their big television screens, chomping away on chocolate and crisps. In the long run, though, they could find themselves putting on too much weight and developing health problems. Children may not realise this fact, but it is the responsibility of parents to educate their children about the importance of leading an active lifestyle, which it seems many are failing to do.
Why Children Should Study History at School
Children are expected to take so many different subjects these days that, sometimes, others get pushed out of the curriculum. History is an important subject that seems to be having its status as a worthy subject somewhat challenged, which is rather unfortunate. Less time is being given to subjects such as History, since what use does History have in the 'real world'? However, History does have relevance to the present day and it is impossible to understand the world as it exists today without considering the past. It is therefore essential for children to study History at school in order to get a well-rounded view of the world.
If children are to understand the politics of the country they are being raised in and to comprehend the relationships that exist between different nations, they have to study History. History is an important component of a nation's identity and therefore also its citizens'. For children to have any sense of belonging to a nation, it helps to be able to point to events in the past that represent a collective memory. It helps promote unity and a common sense of purpose. However, History should not merely be used as a tool to inculcate children into a certain way of thinking, since History works best when it gets children to question what they are told.
History enables children to explore the idea that there is not a single, universal truth. They can examine primary sources for themselves and discover that, even in the past, different people had different positions in society and different motivations for doing what they did or recording events as they did. They can learn about propaganda and how those with power were able to manipulate others with less power into believing what they were told, thus influencing the way they behaved. It is therefore clear why children should learn a subject like History, when it teaches them to question authority and not simply accept everything they are being told.
This is the case in liberal societies, at least, though in less developed nations – often those with a turbulent past – it is easier to paint the past as a continuing battle between 'good' and 'evil', especially for those on the receiving end of imperialism. Yet, once children are exposed to the fact that History is about more than just great wars and great leaders, they want to delve into what the lives of ordinary people were like. When thinking about the past, it can sometimes feel so alien compared to society today, but children are able to discover that even though there were no computer games or televisions, children still found ways to entertain themselves and get into mischief!
History is a diverse subject that has so many potential areas of interest to children that it is worth studying. Although it may not be a practical subject and seems as though it would be of little use in the workplace, studying History helps children to get a comprehensive education and to develop certain skills which can prove useful. Children learn how to analyse and interpret a range of primary and secondary sources; they learn to express themselves on paper and verbally; whilst they also learn how to present an argument and back it up with evidence. These are useful skills to possess, therefore making History a worthwhile subject to study.
If children are to understand the politics of the country they are being raised in and to comprehend the relationships that exist between different nations, they have to study History. History is an important component of a nation's identity and therefore also its citizens'. For children to have any sense of belonging to a nation, it helps to be able to point to events in the past that represent a collective memory. It helps promote unity and a common sense of purpose. However, History should not merely be used as a tool to inculcate children into a certain way of thinking, since History works best when it gets children to question what they are told.
History enables children to explore the idea that there is not a single, universal truth. They can examine primary sources for themselves and discover that, even in the past, different people had different positions in society and different motivations for doing what they did or recording events as they did. They can learn about propaganda and how those with power were able to manipulate others with less power into believing what they were told, thus influencing the way they behaved. It is therefore clear why children should learn a subject like History, when it teaches them to question authority and not simply accept everything they are being told.
This is the case in liberal societies, at least, though in less developed nations – often those with a turbulent past – it is easier to paint the past as a continuing battle between 'good' and 'evil', especially for those on the receiving end of imperialism. Yet, once children are exposed to the fact that History is about more than just great wars and great leaders, they want to delve into what the lives of ordinary people were like. When thinking about the past, it can sometimes feel so alien compared to society today, but children are able to discover that even though there were no computer games or televisions, children still found ways to entertain themselves and get into mischief!
History is a diverse subject that has so many potential areas of interest to children that it is worth studying. Although it may not be a practical subject and seems as though it would be of little use in the workplace, studying History helps children to get a comprehensive education and to develop certain skills which can prove useful. Children learn how to analyse and interpret a range of primary and secondary sources; they learn to express themselves on paper and verbally; whilst they also learn how to present an argument and back it up with evidence. These are useful skills to possess, therefore making History a worthwhile subject to study.
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Should Children be Allowed to Have Weight-Loss Surgery?
There is no getting away from the fact that childhood obesity is a growing problem that needs to be tackled. Unfortunately, children generally develop a weight problem because their parents feed them too much of the wrong kind of food and do not encourage them to exercise enough. Parents, themselves, do not always have the best eating and exercise habits, which makes it even more difficult for them to get their children to adopt habits that will help them to maintain a healthy weight. Sometimes, out of desperation, parents will consider the option of weight-loss surgery for their child.
This seems a rather drastic measure, as surgery always comes with risks and certain weight-loss procedures, such as a gastric bypass, are irreversible. If a child has a gastric bypass, he will only be able to eat small quantities of food and some types of food he may not ever be able to tolerate again. He will have to take an array of vitamins and minerals every day to ensure that he doesn't miss out on the nutrients that are essential for his physical development. He will then have to continue taking tablets for the rest of his life, if he is going to remain healthy.
Weight-loss surgery might seem like the quickest route to a healthy weight, but it should really only be considered as a last resort. There are instances where children are so heavy that they are unable to lead a normal life, are bed bound and suffer from serious health issues, and so weight-loss surgery can seem like the safest option. Ideally, though, children should be encouraged to eat healthier, to stop snacking as much and to exercise more. By building up a calorie deficit, anyone should be able to lose weight, however old they are.
A child may be able to lose weight rapidly after having weight-loss surgery, but surgery will not address what caused him to gain weight in the first place. A child who comfort eats may find that having the option to eat taken away from him can be a rather traumatic experience, in spite of the fact he is able to see changes happening to his body. However, for a child who has been obese for most of his life, it can be rather difficult to be more positive about himself, especially if he has low self-esteem that is related to his weight issues.
Weight-loss surgery has become an increasingly popular option for obese individuals looking to lose weight quickly. However, children are too young to fully comprehend what they are putting their bodies through and the implications for their long-term health. It is rather risky to allow a child to have weight-loss surgery when he may not have the self-discipline to stick rigidly to a very-low calorie diet, which could jeopardise the success of the surgery and cause other problems. Ultimately, to lose weight a child has to adopt healthier eating and exercise habits, which should mean that weight-loss surgery becomes unnecessary.
This seems a rather drastic measure, as surgery always comes with risks and certain weight-loss procedures, such as a gastric bypass, are irreversible. If a child has a gastric bypass, he will only be able to eat small quantities of food and some types of food he may not ever be able to tolerate again. He will have to take an array of vitamins and minerals every day to ensure that he doesn't miss out on the nutrients that are essential for his physical development. He will then have to continue taking tablets for the rest of his life, if he is going to remain healthy.
Weight-loss surgery might seem like the quickest route to a healthy weight, but it should really only be considered as a last resort. There are instances where children are so heavy that they are unable to lead a normal life, are bed bound and suffer from serious health issues, and so weight-loss surgery can seem like the safest option. Ideally, though, children should be encouraged to eat healthier, to stop snacking as much and to exercise more. By building up a calorie deficit, anyone should be able to lose weight, however old they are.
A child may be able to lose weight rapidly after having weight-loss surgery, but surgery will not address what caused him to gain weight in the first place. A child who comfort eats may find that having the option to eat taken away from him can be a rather traumatic experience, in spite of the fact he is able to see changes happening to his body. However, for a child who has been obese for most of his life, it can be rather difficult to be more positive about himself, especially if he has low self-esteem that is related to his weight issues.
Weight-loss surgery has become an increasingly popular option for obese individuals looking to lose weight quickly. However, children are too young to fully comprehend what they are putting their bodies through and the implications for their long-term health. It is rather risky to allow a child to have weight-loss surgery when he may not have the self-discipline to stick rigidly to a very-low calorie diet, which could jeopardise the success of the surgery and cause other problems. Ultimately, to lose weight a child has to adopt healthier eating and exercise habits, which should mean that weight-loss surgery becomes unnecessary.
Are Children Growing Up too Quickly These Days?
In most societies, children are perceived as vulnerable individuals who are in need of protection and support. They do not yet have the education or experience of the world to fend for themselves and so it is up to parents or guardians to provide for their children. This has not always been the view, though, as prior to the twentieth century most children were expected to work and did not have the option of attending school and furthering their education. However, times have changed, so that society has adopted different attitudes and feelings towards childhood.
In the UK, legislation was passed throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to prevent children from working and to make formal schooling compulsory. Children were no longer expected to work and contribute financially to the family; it was up to their parents to look after them. Childhood came to be seen as a time for youngsters to go outside and play with their friends without having to worry about the types of issues that adults have to deal with. Ideally, children wouldn't have to feel the stress that their parents did, because school was meant to be enjoyable.
How much this has proved to be the case is unclear, though. No matter how much parents try to shield their financial or relationship difficulties from their children, children are extremely perceptive creatures whose sensitivity can cause them to develop anxieties. Plus, even though there are children who enjoy getting an education, going to school has always been a stressful experience for some. School is a competitive place where grades matter and the desire to fit in can lead to stress, whilst most children will be bullied at some point during their childhood.
Over time, children have become less inclined to go outside to play with friends when there are computers to play with, instead, and parental concerns about their welfare and the potential for child abduction have arisen. Children face a great deal of pressure at school to achieve good grades due to the competition for university places and the chance to get ahead in a career, so that the stress can become overwhelming. Childhood seems to be less fun and carefree as it was during the twentieth century, when children were increasingly able to appreciate the benefits of being young.
Nowadays, though, children seem to be in too much of a rush to grow up. Little girls don't want to be seen to play with their dolls when all their friends are wearing make-up and wearing clothes more suitable for an adult. Children are being conditioned to grow up sooner than they have to, as companies seek to create a new generation of customers who will pester their parents into buying them whatever they want.
There are children who dress provocatively, trying to emulate their favourite celebrities, and who start drinking and having sex before they are emotionally and physically ready for these types of activities. Instead of enjoying their childhood, it seems as though children spend their pre-teen years so desperate to become adults that they miss out on an important part of growing up, which may be damaging for them and for wider society.
In the UK, legislation was passed throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to prevent children from working and to make formal schooling compulsory. Children were no longer expected to work and contribute financially to the family; it was up to their parents to look after them. Childhood came to be seen as a time for youngsters to go outside and play with their friends without having to worry about the types of issues that adults have to deal with. Ideally, children wouldn't have to feel the stress that their parents did, because school was meant to be enjoyable.
How much this has proved to be the case is unclear, though. No matter how much parents try to shield their financial or relationship difficulties from their children, children are extremely perceptive creatures whose sensitivity can cause them to develop anxieties. Plus, even though there are children who enjoy getting an education, going to school has always been a stressful experience for some. School is a competitive place where grades matter and the desire to fit in can lead to stress, whilst most children will be bullied at some point during their childhood.
Over time, children have become less inclined to go outside to play with friends when there are computers to play with, instead, and parental concerns about their welfare and the potential for child abduction have arisen. Children face a great deal of pressure at school to achieve good grades due to the competition for university places and the chance to get ahead in a career, so that the stress can become overwhelming. Childhood seems to be less fun and carefree as it was during the twentieth century, when children were increasingly able to appreciate the benefits of being young.
Nowadays, though, children seem to be in too much of a rush to grow up. Little girls don't want to be seen to play with their dolls when all their friends are wearing make-up and wearing clothes more suitable for an adult. Children are being conditioned to grow up sooner than they have to, as companies seek to create a new generation of customers who will pester their parents into buying them whatever they want.
There are children who dress provocatively, trying to emulate their favourite celebrities, and who start drinking and having sex before they are emotionally and physically ready for these types of activities. Instead of enjoying their childhood, it seems as though children spend their pre-teen years so desperate to become adults that they miss out on an important part of growing up, which may be damaging for them and for wider society.
Tuesday, 29 October 2013
Are Children Lazier than they Used to be?
It certainly seems that today's children are lazier than they used to be, although it's not all their fault since many parents do not encourage their children to get active. Plus, there are so many more things for children to do these days, as they have hundreds of television channels to choose from; DVDs to watch; and a wide variety of realistic video games to play, and none of these activities require children to expend much energy. It is therefore unsurprising that childhood obesity rates have been on the rise.
Is the fact that children are lazier that they used to be such a bad thing? Well, as already mentioned, more children are being classified as obese, and this is bad news, because carrying too much weight leads to health problems. Children are getting heavier and often carry their weight problem with them into adolescence and adulthood. Unforuntately, once you've got into bad habits, it can be very hard to develop healthier ones, and if you continue to gain weight, you put your body under more and more strain.
Clearly, then, children ought to be doing more exercise. It is recommended that children should get at least an hour of physical activity a day, but many do not, and this is simply storing up problems for the future. The trouble is that it is far easier for parents to let their children play computer games than to accompany them to the park and play with them. Thus, it is not really children's fault if their parents themselves are lazy and lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Is the fact that children are lazier that they used to be such a bad thing? Well, as already mentioned, more children are being classified as obese, and this is bad news, because carrying too much weight leads to health problems. Children are getting heavier and often carry their weight problem with them into adolescence and adulthood. Unforuntately, once you've got into bad habits, it can be very hard to develop healthier ones, and if you continue to gain weight, you put your body under more and more strain.
Clearly, then, children ought to be doing more exercise. It is recommended that children should get at least an hour of physical activity a day, but many do not, and this is simply storing up problems for the future. The trouble is that it is far easier for parents to let their children play computer games than to accompany them to the park and play with them. Thus, it is not really children's fault if their parents themselves are lazy and lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Friday, 25 October 2013
Is There a Stigma Attached to Not Having Children?
Research conducted by Infertility Network UKsuggests that many women aged between 35 and 45 feel that they are judged for not having children. The average age at which women conceive has increased over the years and many women are either choosing to start a family later or finding that they are not in a position to have children until they are in their late thirties or forties.
The trouble is that as you get older, your fertility declines. Even though remaining 'child-free' is a viable lifestyle option, there are women who are desperate to have children, but who find that they are unable to when they finally do try to conceive. Family and friends are not always sympathetic, especially as they may not recognise that a woman wants to have children, but finds herself struggling.
It can be difficult to open up about your fertility struggles and why should you have to when it's nobody else's business? However, when friends start having children you can feel as though you are the odd-one-out and that you have to justify why you don't have children. Similarly, when your parents ask if you intend to have children, you can feel obligated to explain your situation. In today's society, not having children should simply be accepted and not have any kind of stigma attached to it, but, evidently, many people believe that a woman's primary purpose in life is to procreate and nurture the next generation.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24652861
The trouble is that as you get older, your fertility declines. Even though remaining 'child-free' is a viable lifestyle option, there are women who are desperate to have children, but who find that they are unable to when they finally do try to conceive. Family and friends are not always sympathetic, especially as they may not recognise that a woman wants to have children, but finds herself struggling.
It can be difficult to open up about your fertility struggles and why should you have to when it's nobody else's business? However, when friends start having children you can feel as though you are the odd-one-out and that you have to justify why you don't have children. Similarly, when your parents ask if you intend to have children, you can feel obligated to explain your situation. In today's society, not having children should simply be accepted and not have any kind of stigma attached to it, but, evidently, many people believe that a woman's primary purpose in life is to procreate and nurture the next generation.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24652861
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Should Children Watch Less Television?
It certainly seems that professionals within the medical field believe that children should be encouraged to watch less television, especially if they are overweight. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued guidelines for health workers to tackle children's sedentary lifestyles through their parents. Clearly, it is parents' repsonsibility to ensure their children are doing enough exercise, but often children spend too much time watching television and not enough time outdoors keeping active, which makes it harder for them to maintain a healthy weight.
Doctors and other medical professionals can only do so much, no matter how supportive they are. They can suggest that children keep track of how much exercise they're doing and encourage parents to walk with their children to school, instead of driving them, but ultimately, it is up to the indviduals concerned to recognise what the problem is and to tackle it.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2473093/Overweight-children-watch-TV-Health-watchdog-urges-parents-cut-screen-time.html
Doctors and other medical professionals can only do so much, no matter how supportive they are. They can suggest that children keep track of how much exercise they're doing and encourage parents to walk with their children to school, instead of driving them, but ultimately, it is up to the indviduals concerned to recognise what the problem is and to tackle it.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2473093/Overweight-children-watch-TV-Health-watchdog-urges-parents-cut-screen-time.html
Saturday, 19 October 2013
Is it Right for Bariatric Surgery to be Performed on Children?
Between 2007 and 2012, 45 weight-loss procedures have been performed on children as young as 14 in the UK, including gastric bypasses and the fitting of gastric bands and gastric balloons. An increasing number of individuals are being admitted to hospital for weight-related health issues and this includes children. With rising obesity rates amongst adults, it is hardly surprising that children are following their parents' lead and developing serious weight problems of their own.
The question has to be is surgery really the best option for helping children to lose weight? It must be hard for parents to watch their children being bullied because of their weight and to worry their children may develop health issues because they are obese. Clearly, no parent would want their child to undergo invasive surgery if it could be avoided, and yet losing weight can be achieved in ways which do not include surgery. Thus, for parents to give permission for surgeons to operate on their child indicates a certain amount of desperation.
Bariatric surgery may not be the preferred option, especially when the reality is that no matter what operation takes place, individuals need to change their eating and exercise habits, but it can stimulate rapid weight loss. For children who are dangerously overweight, surgery can give them the impetus to lose weight, but ultimately, it is up to parents to take action to prevent their children developing such a weight problem in the first place.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2465808/Children-young-14-having-weight-loss-surgery-45-going-knife-England-2007.html
The question has to be is surgery really the best option for helping children to lose weight? It must be hard for parents to watch their children being bullied because of their weight and to worry their children may develop health issues because they are obese. Clearly, no parent would want their child to undergo invasive surgery if it could be avoided, and yet losing weight can be achieved in ways which do not include surgery. Thus, for parents to give permission for surgeons to operate on their child indicates a certain amount of desperation.
Bariatric surgery may not be the preferred option, especially when the reality is that no matter what operation takes place, individuals need to change their eating and exercise habits, but it can stimulate rapid weight loss. For children who are dangerously overweight, surgery can give them the impetus to lose weight, but ultimately, it is up to parents to take action to prevent their children developing such a weight problem in the first place.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2465808/Children-young-14-having-weight-loss-surgery-45-going-knife-England-2007.html
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