What are some common sedentary activities that children engage in today?Children's Current Activities:Children traditionally spent time playing games and enjoying themselves.Nowadays, they spend more time watching TV, and playing video games and mobile games.Learning apps are also being used for academic purposes.Importance of Physical Activity:Physical activity is crucial for children and adolescents.It promotes bone health, muscle growth and development, and improves motor and cognitive development.Recommended Duration:The World Health Organization recommends at least 60 minutes (1 hour) of physical activity per day for children and adolescents.Both moderate and vigorous intensity activities benefit physical and mental health.What are some benefits of regular physical activity for children?Benefits of Physical Activity:Improves physical fitness (cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness) and bone health.Enhances cardiometabolic health (blood pressure, glucose levels, etc.) and helps maintain a healthy body weight.Boosts cognitive outcomes (academic performance).Improves mental health and reduces depression.Ways to Be Physically Active:Any bodily movement requiring energy expenditure, such as:Brisk walking, swimming, running, or cycling.Climbing, jumping, tumbling, gymnastics, jumping races, animal races, and playing hopscotch.Any form of dance.Using stairs instead of elevators/lifts.What are some activities that children should avoid to reduce sedentary behavior?Activities to Avoid:Being a couch potato: watching TV.Playing sitting games like mobile or video games.Playing a lot of board games.Using passive transport like cars and scooters for short distances.Encouragement for Physical Activity:Encourage children and adolescents to start with small amounts of physical activity.Gradually increase the frequency, intensity, and duration over time.Source:-1.https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity2.https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/336656/9789240015128-eng.pdf?sequence=1

There are many reasons for depression in children, such as family history, illness, childhood traumas, and many other factors.It is important to provide support and care to children during their hard times to reduce the effects of depression. However, to treat depression in children, they need therapy.This therapy is called CBT, which stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.In this therapy, children feel a sense of belonging and support. The therapy involves talking about what the children feel and what they are thinking.Children are also taught through different stories, dramas, and how to reduce or deal with their fears. Sometimes, the parents of the children are also included in this therapy to make the child feel comfortable.So that's the therapy, but what should you, as a parent, do when your child is depressed?If you think your child is depressed, here are the steps you should take as parents:Ask your child about the reason for their sadness. Make your child feel that you are there to listen and help them.Take your child to a doctor to find out if they are depressed or just stressed.Take your child to a therapist and get them the necessary therapy.Talk to your child calmly and lovingly.Spend as much time as possible with your child to make them feel good and to bring positive thoughts to them.source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8465814/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3788699/

Hello parents of cute little kids, today we will talk about a very sensitive topic: "child abuse." Abuse means misuse, so think about how harmful "child abuse" can be. Every home has children who are happy and playful, but if these children start living quietly and in fear, it means your child might be unsafe. Something wrong might be happening to them, and they may be victims of child abuse, possibly unable to tell you.6 Major Causes of Child Abuse: Reasons of Adults Hurt ChildrenIf we try to understand the causes of child abuse on an individual level, studies show substance use, personal history of abuse, age, and mental health as major risk factors for child abuse. If we try to understand this thing at the societal level, then economic equality, cultural norms that encourage harsh physical punishment for children, and risk factors like lack of safety concern for children in society are highlighted.1: Marital strife and tensionMarital strife: Parents who physically abuse their spouses are more likely to physically harm their children.Tension: Many parents develop expectations from their children that exceed their capability and age. The resulting frustration in children is a contributing factor to child abuse.2: Intent to punishMost of the physical violence against children is done by parents and teachers with the intention of punishing kids because they believe that doing so improves the behavior of children. Children and infants abused by their parents are more likely to be assaulted by their parents and have more frequent injuries that sometimes even require medical attention.3: Children from Unintended pregnancies:Those babies born from unintended pregnancy are more likely to suffer neglect or abuse. The chances of abusive relationships being formed between partners are higher in unintended pregnancies as compared to intended pregnancies due to which women also have to suffer physical violence during pregnancy. This kind of behavior negatively impacts maternal mental health and also reduces mother-child relationship quality.4: Substance Use Disorder:This is a major contributing factor to child abuse. A study conducted in the US found that parents involved in substance abuse like alcohol, cocaine, and heroin are more likely to mistreat and reject their children. Parental stress from substance abuse causes minors to exhibit internalizing and externalizing behavior. Such children remain internally in a very confused state and after reaching a certain age the inner anger turns into outer frustration.5: Feeling of Anger:In some cases, when people find themselves in some problem, they get very angry. Because of problems in family, work, money, or relationships. Their anger and frustration manifest into abusive actions. In some cases, the person begins to perceive their own children as the cause of the problem which causes them to take abusive actions against their children.6: Mental Health:Individuals who have substance abuse disorders, depression, or personality disorders are at high risk for child abuse.Explain different types of Child AbuseChild abuse is a condition where parents, caregivers, or local guardians, who are responsible for a child, either harm them or fail to take proper care of them.Child abuse is a serious issue and can take various forms:1: Physical abuse: Physical abuse involves intentionally harming or injuring a child. This includes hitting, pushing, burning, or hurting the child with objects.Signs of physical abuse: Bruises, burns, fractures, or cuts of unexplained origin.2: Emotional abuse:Emotional abuse includes scolding, screaming, threatening, criticizing, rejecting, or continuously bullying a child.Signs of emotional abuse: Low self-esteem, depression in children.Suggested Read:https://medwiki.co.in/post/protect-your-kids-from-bullying-when-and-how-to-step-in-en3: Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse involves any form of sexual activity with a child, such as touching inappropriate body parts or engaging in any other sexual activity.Signs of sexual abuse: The child may show fear of certain places or people, experience pain in the genital area, have unexplained bleeding from private body parts, or possess knowledge of sexual acts that are inappropriate for their age.Suggested Read:https://medwiki.co.in/post/signs-of-child-sexual-abuse-enIf you notice your child becoming unusually quiet or fearful of certain places or people, take the time to talk to them, understand them, and provide the support and care they need.Child abuse is a deeply concerning issue that involves physical, sexual, and emotional harm to a child, even to those who are responsible for their care and nurturing. Many factors such as substance abuse, mental health issues, marital strife, unintended pregnancies, and anger contribute to this harmful behavior. Parents and caregivers need to have adequate knowledge of and awareness of abusive signs and take protective steps to protect their child from this potential harm. Open communication, awareness, and seeking professional help when needed can significantly reduce the risk of child abuse and ensure children's safety and well-being.source: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/child-abuse/what-is-child-abuse/child-abuse-types https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459146/#:~:text=The World Health Organization

If you are also struggling with constipation in your little one? Watch this video to know all about the signs of constipation in kids, why do kids get constipated, and what you can do to help.Hey parents! Today, we're talking about a very common but often frustrating problem: constipation in babies and kids. Almost 1 in 20 doctor visits for kids are because of constipation, so you're definitely not alone if this is happening in your home.What are the Signs of Constipation in Kids?Recognizing the signs early can make a big difference:Babies might be very fussy and spit up more often.Difficulty passing stools that are hard and dry.Your child might have pain when passing stools.Stomach pain or bloating.For older kids, having fewer than three bowel movements a week.Why Do Kids Get Constipated?Constipation happens when stool stays in the colon for too long. During this time, the colon absorbs too much water, making stools hard and dry. Here are some reasons why this happens:Dietary Factors: Not eating enough fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lead to constipation. Fiber helps in adding bulk to the stool, which makes it easier to pass.Low Fluid Intake: Water and other fluids help keep stools soft and easier to pass. Not drinking enough fluids causes dehydration, leading to hard and dry stools.Delaying Bathroom Trips: Kids sometimes avoid going to the bathroom because they’re too busy playing, don’t want to use public restrooms, or feel embarrassed. This can cause stool to sit longer in the colon, leading to constipation.Changes in Routine: Changes like starting solid foods for babies, moving from breast milk to formula, or even stressful events such as starting school can disrupt bowel habits and lead to constipation.Medical Conditions: Certain medical issues, such as hypothyroidism, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or medications that affect bowel muscles, can also be the cause of constipation.Emotional Stress: Emotional factors can play a role too. Stressful events, like moving to a new home or conflicts at school, can make kids hold in their stool, leading to constipation.Understanding the root cause of constipation can help in taking the right measures to ease it. If any of this sounds familiar, don't worry—I have some tips that can help!Source:- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003125.htm

Are you worried about your child's weight? It's a common concern for many parents. Let's work together to address this issue in a healthy way.Follow these 2 Steps to achieve your goal:Step 1: Calculate Your Child's BMIA good starting point is to calculate your child's Body Mass Index (BMI). This simple calculation can provide insights into their weight status.https://medwiki.co.in/health-assessment-tools/fitness-calculators/body-mass-indexStep 2: Understand the ResultsOnce you have your child's BMI as a percentile ranking. You will know if your child is underweight or it is just that you think so.Results show that your child is underweight?Don't worry. There are effective strategies to help them gain weight healthily.Do's:Diet:Increase carbohydrates: Incorporate more starchy foods like potatoes and rice.Add healthy fats: Include avocados, nuts, and olive oil in their diet.Offer high-calorie drinks: Milkshakes and smoothies can be nutritious and calorie-dense.Encourage healthy eating habits: Involve your child in meal preparation and eat together as a family.Provide healthy snacks: Offer yogurt, fruits, and vegetables as snacks.Focus on essential vitamins: Ensure they get enough vitamins A, C, and D.Don't:Rely on junk food and sugary drinks, for weight gain. Use a nutritious diet always.Offer pre-meal drinks and snacks, as they can fill their tummies. This will impact their nutritious meal.Create a stressful mealtime environment. Let the children enjoy their mealtime.Encourage Physical ActivityRegular exercise is essential for overall health, including weight gain. Encourage your child to participate in activities that they enjoy. Also be a part of their physical activity routine.Remember:Patience is key: Gaining weight in a healthy way takes time.Consult a healthcare professional: If you have any concerns, consult a pediatrician for personalized advice.By following these guidelines, you can help them achieve a healthy weight in a safe and sustainable way.Source:-https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/childrens-weight/how-to-help-your-child-gain-weight/