Get dirty!
A major review by The Institute of Cancer Research has found that childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in susceptible children may be triggered by lack of exposure to germs in early life—meaning most cases of childhood leukaemia are likely preventable. Breastfeeding, sending children to daycare and outdoor play could be the key to boosting your little one’s immune system and preventing this disease
Source: The Institute of Cancer Research
Gametime
For the first time in history, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed ‘gaming disorder’ (characterised as priority given to gaming over other activities) in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD). As compulsive gaming now qualifies as a mental health condition, treatment for the disorder will now be offered by the NHS.
Source: World Health Organisation
24g
The government recommends that children aged 7 to 10 eat no more than 24g of free sugars each day. Yet, children aged 4 to 10 have already consumed more than their recommended sugar intake for the whole of 2018, say Public Health England. Sugary soft drinks, cakes and pastries are shown to be the main culprits.
Source: Public Health England
Time for a digi-tox?
Recent research has shown a link between parents who use digital devices during family time (including meals, playtime and bedtime) and a poor relationship with their children. The researchers found that technological devices almost always interfere with child-parent relationships at least once a day, causing an increase in frustration, tantrums, whining and hyperactivity in children.
Source: Brandon T. McDaniel, Jenny S. Radesky. Technoference: longitudinal associations between parent technology use, parenting stress, and child behavior problems. Pediatric Research, 2018.
300
Just under 300 babies in the UK die due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) each year, says the NHS. Do not smoke during pregnancy and practice safe sleep when baby is born to reduce the risk by up to 50%.
Source: NHS Choices
70x
Children under 3 years old are 70 times more likely to contract fatal bacterial meningitis than adults. The meningitis B vaccine is available on the NHS for babies aged 8 weeks, 16 weeks and 1 years old.
Source: Meningitis Research Foundation
The trouble with pollution
Children are especially vulnerable to traffic pollution, with evidence showing it can cause stunted growth of the lungs. Queen Mary University in London and Mayor Sadiq Khan have recently launched an international research project looking at the effect of air pollution on children’s health. Over the next 4 years, over 3,000 primary school children in polluted areas of London and Luton will have their lung health monitored.
Source: Children’s Health in London & Luton
2.1 million
A recent study into childhood vulnerability has estimated that 2.1 million children out of England’s 11.8 million children—nearly 1 in 6—are living in families with risks so serious that they need some level of help. These dangers can include domestic violence or living with parents with substance abuse problems.
Source: Children’s Commission
Breastfeeding on the rise
According to the latest statistics published by Public Health England, the prevalence of breastfeeding at 6 to 8 weeks is on the rise. The breastfeeding rate for England for 2016-17 is 44.4%, a slight increase on previous years at 43.2% (2015-16) and 43.8% (2014-15).
Source: Public Health England
Salt
Children only need a very small amount of salt in their diet, so watch your supermarket labels! Salt is added to many packaged foods including bread, baked beans and even biscuits. As a rule of thumb, the maximum recommended amount of salt for babies and children per day should be: <1g for babies up to 12 months; 2g for children 1 to 3 years; 3g for children 4 to 6 years; 5g for children 7 to 10 years; and 6g for children 11 and over.
Source: NHS Choices
1 in 3
children are now overweight or obese by the age of 11. Excess weight is a significant health issue that can have serious implications for the physical and mental health of a child, which can then follow on into adulthood.
1 in every 10
women are affected by postnatal depression within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners, although this is far less prevalent. Some common symptoms are feeling down, tearful or anxious for over 2 weeks post-birth. If you think you—or anyone you know—may be depressed, speak to your GP or health visitor.
Source: NHS Choices
