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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – About 16% of American children aged between 5 and 11 are battling one form of health complication or another. Unfortunately, some of the common problems rarely receive public attention. Those that do, it is mostly negative and condemning. With children forming a healthy part of the population, the future seems uncertain. In this article, we look at some of the top five health challenges that need attention urgently.
Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
Childhood obesity is becoming a talking point in the public and media thanks largely to the devastating effects it has had on our children. Children have adopted sedentary lifestyles. They sit in front of a TV, computer, or video game for hours on end. Children are carrying the same lifestyle to adulthood making obesity a national concern. Children with obesity are at risk of bullying or developing self-esteem issues. They are also at risk of developing rheumatic and heart disorders.
Drug and substance abuse and consequent addiction
Alcohol, prescription drugs, inhalants, marijuana, and cigarettes are some of the drugs and substances that children and teens are most at risk of using and abusing. Whether in an attempt to fit in with the crowd, a way to escape personal problems, an act of rebellion, an experiment, or some combination of these motives, childhood and adolescent drug and alcohol abuse is a serious issue requiring immediate treatment.
In California, the Santa Barbara adolescent program for addiction rehab designed by Mission Harbor is one of several groundbreaking efforts to address this growing health crisis among America’s youth. They and like-minded treatment facilities are putting an increased focus on the individual, rather than abiding by a one-size-fits-all approach to addiction. This proves crucial in addressing young adult addiction.
Mental health issues
Stress, anxiety, behavioral disorders, and depression are the top mental problems hounding teenagers. The sources are many including child neglect and abuse, bullying, internet abuse, teenage pregnancy, and genetics. Children suffering from depression are at risk of intentional harm including drug overdose. The cost burden of these mental problems is significant, as the mental disorders tend to recur and regenerate with time.
Childhood Cancers
Globally, cancer is giving people significant sleepless nights. Everything about it is expensive, which makes affordability a challenge for many. Pediatric cancers face a similar situation. However, the problem is compounded by lack of attention. Research dollars go to more marketable populations—adults.
The bulk of the cancer research funds focus on colon, breast, lung, and prostate cancers—none of which affect children beyond the ultra-rare exceptions. Leukemia, bone, and brain cancers are the leading cause of death for our children. Children are forced to medicate on drugs meant for adults—which is hardly effective. Many of them are dying as a result.
Rare diseases
About 30 million Americans have rare diseases. Sadly, over half of them are children. Despite this enormous burden, 95% of these rare diseases don’t have FDA-approved drugs. The neglect in this area is telling. This population will have to endure a low quality of life because they have to live with diseases.
Conclusion
Unless there is an urgent response to some of the problems, the situation threatens to escalate. Childhood obesity is not slowing down, as public parks and recreational centers evolve to tech centers. Society must show a shift from the status quo where pediatric cancers, adolescent drug addiction, and obesity do not get the attention they deserve. On the overall, our future is dependent on how we treat children. If we let drug addiction and other avoidable ills overwhelm them, we may not be a proud generation after all.