EDITORIAL
Healthier choices at home and school could help children avoid lifelong health risks
It is well known that there has been an increase in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among adults. But in recent years, it has been a growing health concern among children as well.
In India, the most common NCDs in children include asthma, diabetes, cancer, congenital and acquired cardiovascular disease, mental health conditions, sickle cell disease and obesity. Childhood NCDs arise from a complex interplay of genetics, early life exposures, environment, and lifestyle, according to UNICEF. Experts say this means prevention must start before birth and continue through school and adolescence. Common risk factors are many. Some conditions have a strong genetic/biological/autoimmune predisposition. Lifestyle and behavioural factors include unhealthy diet (ultra-processed foods/high sugar), a sedentary lifestyle, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol consumption, mental health stressors, among others. Poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy, lack of breastfeeding, gestational diabetes or maternal obesity can also impact children.
Can childhood NCDs be prevented? Yes, substantially, says WHO. Childhood is both a time when certain NCDs can appear and when lifelong health trajectories are shaped. This means that some NCDs with strong genetic or congenital roots cannot be fully prevented, such as Type 1 diabetes, congenital heart disease and sickle cell disease. However, many childhood-onset risk factors are highly modifiable, and prevention efforts can make a great impact. Prevention of childhood NCDs includes reducing the incidence of risk behaviours in childhood by encouraging healthy life. It also includes early detection and management of childhood conditions.
We all know that children tend to mimic what they see. Hence, the roles of teachers and parents come into play from the early stages of their growth. In schools, lessons on healthy eating and a supportive nutrition environment, including balanced meal programmes and limits on junk food, can help shape daily dietary choices.
At home, parents’ and caregivers’ actions are the first role models. Children’s eating, sleeping, and activity patterns often mirror what they observe in their families. Parents shape home food, screen-time rules, smoke-free environments, and sleep routines. Interestingly, under Ayushman Bharat School Health & Wellness Programme, teachers are expected to deliver weekly, activity-based sessions. A major challenge is that many childhood NCDs are diagnosed late due to a lack of awareness. Even after diagnosis, care can be difficult to access — paediatric specialists and counselling services are often limited or available at secondary/tertiary care facilities. The high cost and long-term nature of treatment place a heavy financial burden, while frequent hospital visits disrupt school and work routines.
Most of the time, parents and even teachers are not aware of the fact that there have been increasing cases of NCDs among children. More awareness and screening camps need to be conducted in the state. Besides teachers, their parents also need to know about the issues involved. Goa has an NCD cell and, in view of the emerging situation, it has a big role to play. Goa being highly urbanised, the food culture has changed drastically, posing a risk to health. The easy availability of processed foods and sugary drinks and fast food all contribute to the “unhealthy diet”. Over the years, Goa has done much in the public health sector, especially at Goa Medical College. To prevent NCDs among children, the government must actively collaborate with NGOs, medical associations, paediatricians, and other organisations working on health issues. Joint initiatives can help bridge the gap in awareness and ensure that children diagnosed with an NCD receive adequate support.
