There was a time when the children used to go out to play as soon as they woke up in the morning. Today, the changing lifestyle and technical dependence have affected the physical activity of children. Its direct effect is on the health of their bones. According to experts, nowadays, children are seeing symptoms like weakness, pain, vitamin deficiency and obesity at an early age – which were seen earlier at middle age.

Let us know, for what reasons children’s bones are getting weaker and what parents need to be cautious.

1. Vitamin D and Calcium Shortage
The most essential nutrients for the strength of bones are – calcium and vitamin D. According to experts, most urban children no longer spend time in sufficient sun, which reduces the level of vitamin D in the body. Due to this, calcium is not absorbed, and bones begin to weaken.

Dr. says, “Children should get at least 15–20 minutes daily, especially in the morning.”

2. Lack of physical activities
Mobile, tablet and TV have become part of children’s routines in the digital age. Sitting in front of the screen for hours is eliminating the habit of playing outside. Regular physical activity is necessary to become strong bones.

Activities such as playing, running, cycling put natural pressure on bones, making them stronger. When these activities do not happen, bones remain delicate.

3. Increasing addiction of junk food
Fast food and junk food found in the market – such as pizza, burgers, chips and cold drinks – are becoming part of children’s food. These foods are devoid of calcium and protein, and the phosphate present in them helps in removing calcium from the body.

The result of this is that bone density decreases, and they start to break or turn easily.

4. Birth or genetic problems
In some children, the cause of bone weakness is congenital. Such as osteiognesis imperfecta (a rare genetic disease), which makes bones thinner and delicate. Regular medical consultation and treatment is necessary in such cases.

5. Crude nutrition and irregular routine
Children’s food is often unbalanced – either too much carbohydrates, or protein deficiency. Apart from this, late sleeping, not taking adequate sleep and undisciplined routine also negatively affects the growth of children and the strength of bones.

What do experts say?
“Children’s bones grow rapidly. If they do not get enough nutrition, exercise and sunlight at this age, then problems can be permanent in further problems.

What to do parents?
Encourage children to play in the sun every day

Include milk, curd, cheese, green vegetables and pulses in the household meal

Give children at least one hour active time – sports, race or yoga

Get regular checking of calcium and vitamin D

Control screen time

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