Issues concerning children's health are ever changing with time. Currently our children face many new challenges and problems with their health and welfare.
Obesity
Obesity is perhaps the United States' number one children's health issue. 16% of children ages 6-19 are considered overweight or obese (above the 95th percentile for weight in relation to height), with numbers that keep climbing. Various factors play a part in this children's health issue: if parent(s) are overweight, socioeconomic status, inactivity, and (obviously) nutrition. Hispanic youths are more likely to be overweight. Obesity specifically in girls, depends on their socioeconomic status; if they are of low income, the likelihood of being overweight is significantly higher than if they are of middle or upper class. The challenge we are facing now is how to prevent childhood obesity and help already obese children lose weight. Unfortunately, shaming children to losing weight, as some parents do, can lead to eating disorders and emotional problems. Children and teens lose weight the same way adults do: they need to find a method that works for them, whether it is going to a nutritionist or a weight-loss camp. Most importantly, becoming active and having a support network are key factors.
ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder among children and adolescents and is one of the most concerning of children's health issues. ADHD is characterized by impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. If ADHD is not treated, it can travel with the child into adulthood, which it does for over half of children with this diagnosis, and pose further mental disorders. According to the CDC, 7.5% of children ages 3-17 are diagnosed with ADHD, and 1/3 do not have the hyperactivity component. Learning how to treat this disorder is very important in relation to helping your children cope with this possible life long mental disorder. A wide variety of medications, such as Ritalin, are often used. Behavioral therapy for children and parents is another popular approach. Treating ADHD involves a lot of trial and error to find out which method of treatment will be the best for your child or adolescent.
Teen Pregnancy
After a 14-year decline in teen pregnancies in the United States, they are on the rise again. According to the CDC, 2008 saw an overall national increase in teenage pregnancies by 3%. The rise in specific states, mainly Southern states, showed higher rises in percentages of teenage pregnancies. Teen mothers account for 11% of births in the U.S.. Experts are unsure of why after 14 years the rate of teen mothers went up. The question is now, how do we make it go back down? It has been suggested that the ever-present "abstinence only" policy of school sex education programs should be re-vamped and include instructions on how to have safe sex. Our daughters need strong role models to help them through all of society's unrealistic expectations.
Autism
The Mayo Clinic describes autism as a serious developmental problem that usually occurs in children under 3 years of age with varying symptoms, all of which affect the child's ability to communicate and interact with others. Up to 6 out of 1000 children is affected with this disorder. The cases of autism are rising, which could be accounted for by more accurate diagnoses, but professionals are unsure. In recent news, it has been suggested that autism could be related to immunizations that are given to children, as children receive more shots now than ever. The lack of vitamin D has also been suggested as a case of autism. In the medical world, there are many speculations of what causes autism, however, there has not been a proven trigger for the disease. Autism is much like ADHD in respect to that there is not one standard treatment; it depends very much on the individual. Depending on the severity of the diagnosis, occupational therapy and/or behavior therapy are the first places to begin. Parents are also encouraged to take part in treatment programs to learn the best ways to cope with this diagnosis.
Obesity
Obesity is perhaps the United States' number one children's health issue. 16% of children ages 6-19 are considered overweight or obese (above the 95th percentile for weight in relation to height), with numbers that keep climbing. Various factors play a part in this children's health issue: if parent(s) are overweight, socioeconomic status, inactivity, and (obviously) nutrition. Hispanic youths are more likely to be overweight. Obesity specifically in girls, depends on their socioeconomic status; if they are of low income, the likelihood of being overweight is significantly higher than if they are of middle or upper class. The challenge we are facing now is how to prevent childhood obesity and help already obese children lose weight. Unfortunately, shaming children to losing weight, as some parents do, can lead to eating disorders and emotional problems. Children and teens lose weight the same way adults do: they need to find a method that works for them, whether it is going to a nutritionist or a weight-loss camp. Most importantly, becoming active and having a support network are key factors.
ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder among children and adolescents and is one of the most concerning of children's health issues. ADHD is characterized by impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. If ADHD is not treated, it can travel with the child into adulthood, which it does for over half of children with this diagnosis, and pose further mental disorders. According to the CDC, 7.5% of children ages 3-17 are diagnosed with ADHD, and 1/3 do not have the hyperactivity component. Learning how to treat this disorder is very important in relation to helping your children cope with this possible life long mental disorder. A wide variety of medications, such as Ritalin, are often used. Behavioral therapy for children and parents is another popular approach. Treating ADHD involves a lot of trial and error to find out which method of treatment will be the best for your child or adolescent.
Teen Pregnancy
After a 14-year decline in teen pregnancies in the United States, they are on the rise again. According to the CDC, 2008 saw an overall national increase in teenage pregnancies by 3%. The rise in specific states, mainly Southern states, showed higher rises in percentages of teenage pregnancies. Teen mothers account for 11% of births in the U.S.. Experts are unsure of why after 14 years the rate of teen mothers went up. The question is now, how do we make it go back down? It has been suggested that the ever-present "abstinence only" policy of school sex education programs should be re-vamped and include instructions on how to have safe sex. Our daughters need strong role models to help them through all of society's unrealistic expectations.
Autism
The Mayo Clinic describes autism as a serious developmental problem that usually occurs in children under 3 years of age with varying symptoms, all of which affect the child's ability to communicate and interact with others. Up to 6 out of 1000 children is affected with this disorder. The cases of autism are rising, which could be accounted for by more accurate diagnoses, but professionals are unsure. In recent news, it has been suggested that autism could be related to immunizations that are given to children, as children receive more shots now than ever. The lack of vitamin D has also been suggested as a case of autism. In the medical world, there are many speculations of what causes autism, however, there has not been a proven trigger for the disease. Autism is much like ADHD in respect to that there is not one standard treatment; it depends very much on the individual. Depending on the severity of the diagnosis, occupational therapy and/or behavior therapy are the first places to begin. Parents are also encouraged to take part in treatment programs to learn the best ways to cope with this diagnosis.
Marty Craigs is a proud father who advocates for child safety. He is concerned that there are many kids living in distressed situations. To make a difference, he supports non-profit organizations such as KIDS -- http://kidsdonations.org/pd_wtd_cc.htm -- where you can donate new children's clothes or make a financial gift.
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