Childhood

 

Child care issues:

·      Most of the children are not aware of health care issues like personal hygiene, sanitation, food and nutrition, and personal safety issues in day to day life. Therefore, health (along with sexual health and menstrual cycle) and personal safety education is essential for them.

·      Ensure adequate nutrition with balanced diet and consider for supplements (like vitamin C & D, iron, calcium, zinc, multivitamin, dietary fibre etc.) if necessary.

·      Ensure and monitor for proper digestion, absorption, weight and height gain with optimal height to weight ratio. Provide anthelmintic drug twice a year and engage them in physical activities to enhance digestive power.

·      Do not allow constipation. Practice defecation with gentle pressure. Time duration should not exceed 5 minutes. Intake adequate fibre (and use laxatives if necessary) to keep stool soft. If urge for defecation continues for longer period with feelings of incomplete defecation, there might be lump of tissues (piles) in rectum/anus (more than 50% of the people are affected). Swollen tissues in the anus create defecation pressure in absence of stool. Regular squeezing for longer period in toilet cause enlargement of the lump that generate even stronger and persistent defecation pressure in absence of stool. Such condition should be resolved in the early stage before getting worse and complicated.      

·      Contamination and various types of infections are very common in children. It is wise to take steps to boost up their immune system through vaccination, proper nutrition, regular physical activity and adequate sleep (7-9 hours).

·      Screening and medical checkup for vision, hearing, oral health, cancer, diabetes, thyroid, cardiac, liver and renal function is recommended for early detection of abnormalities if any.   

·      Dental care: Brush twice daily for at least two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day, ideally before brushing, to remove plaque/food particles from between teeth where brushes cannot reach. Visit a dentist twice a year (every 6 months) for professional cleanings and early detection of cavities, sharp dental tips or oral cancer.

·      Eye care: limit screen time (not more than one hour at a time) and encourage following 20-20-20 rule (look at 20 feet away for 20 seconds at every 20 minutes interval) to reduce digital eye strain.  

 

Childhood Psychological Problems:

Anxiety Disorders: Excessive worry, extreme fear, separation anxiety, social anxiety, or OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): Difficulty focusing, trouble with attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity.

Mood Disorders: Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest (Depression).

Behavioral Disorders: Disruptive behaviors like Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) or Conduct Disorder (acting out, anger).

Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Autism Spectrum Disorder (difficulty with social interaction, communication).

Stress-Related Disorders: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after trauma.

Signs & Symptoms to be noticed:

Frequent crying, extreme fear/worry, persistent sadness, angry outbursts, rebellion, self-injury, regression (thumb-sucking), poor performance, difficulty focusing, restlessness, trouble connecting with peers, sleep problems (insomnia/oversleeping), changes in eating habits, significant weight changes.

Treatment Approaches:

Consult pediatricians or mental health professionals for accurate diagnosis and treatment, as symptoms can overlap with normal development. Early intervention is useful with treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Address stressors like bullying or harsh parenting and ensure cordial, helpful, caring and stable relationships.