Interview there is a lot of traffic pollution are more likely to have exacerbations, and these can be severe. Firstly, it’s especially important for these children and families to be on top of their treatment and know when to step it up or seek further help. Secondly, we have a societal responsibility to reduce the amount of air pollution we produce (especially near schools) either by adapting vehicles to make them greener or not using them altogether. I’m very much for making areas around school as traffic-free as possible. Schools can help by installing more ‘green-walled zones’ to improve air quality and reduce pollution getting to them, and there have been many successful pilots of this. Q. Is a clean home a healthy home? Should we try to keep everything spotless, or is there something to be said for the ‘Dirt is Good’ philosophy for developing healthy immune systems? RS: The jury is still out on this one, but it is likely to be a matter of balance. Cleanliness and hygiene are really important to prevent the spread of disease. We all know how quickly children can pick up and spread infections, and some—like the flu—can be really serious for the whole family. Hygiene is also really important in limiting diarrhoeal and vomiting illnesses too, which can have a massive impact on households. However, at the same time, we need to allow our children to be exposed to everyday challenges so that their immune systems are primed to cope. This doesn’t mean keeping your children dirty, but perhaps not being too obsessive with sterilising everything (apart when it comes to things for small babies) or keeping everything spotless. It’s about being realistic.
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Q. Is childhood obesity really the epidemic we have been led to believe? What’s a sensible approach to diet and exercise that we will actually be able to get kids to stick to? RS: Childhood obesity is probably one of the greatest challenges we face in terms of long-term child health at present and mustn’t be underestimated. One in five children entering primary school are overweight or obese which rises to one in three when they leave it. We have a window of opportunity there to do something and we must start early. It’s important to get children learning about healthier choices from a young age, but you don’t have to deprive them of ‘treats’. It’s all about eating sensibly and in moderation, which includes giving appropriate
portion sizes. We should work to reduce excessive consumption of sugary and fatty foods though, and at the same time to increase physical activity levels. This can be done in a fun, engaging way at both school and home. The daily mile is an excellent example of getting kids more active in school. Similarly, parents should try getting involved in outdoor activities with their children which is good for the whole family. We also need to do something about the obesogenic environment that families live in. That means making healthier food cheaper, helping families to make better choices, curbing advertising and promotions on unhealthier food and educating people on what may or may not be better for them. This also means supporting less well-off families so that they have access to the same things as others. hc
Healthy Child with Dr Ranj Singh | 13
06/09/2019 12:09