Increasing number of children suffering with preventable illnesses
The number of children in the UK that are suffering from preventable health conditions has reached epidemic proportions, according to research carried out by the BBC.
Staff at Alder Hay hospital, the busiest children’s hospital in the whole of Europe, treat around 200,000 patients each year; however, they have become increasingly concerned about the number of children being admitted with preventable illnesses such as tooth decay, obesity and problems associated with underage drinking and passive smoking.
In addition to causing obvious distress to children, treatments also cost the NHS millions of pounds each year and prevent money, resources and time being devoted to other patients. Steve Ryan, a medical director ay Alder Hay hospital, said the importance of these statistics should not be underestimated and stressed that these were health problems that simply should not be happening; he went on to say that this could perhaps be the first generation of children to die before their parents due to poor general and dental health and unhealthy lifestyle habits.
The dental department is a constant hive of activity and staff have seen an alarming rise in the number of young children being admitted for complex dental procedures and tooth extractions; over five hundred operations are carried out each year on children under the age of six. In addition to the general increase in the number of children being admitted to the dental department, experts also say that patients are getting younger each year and children as young as two and three are suffering extensive decay.
Health experts have urged parents to adopt and promote a healthier lifestyle for themselves and their children; eating well, exercising regularly and cutting down on smoking and drinking will make a dramatic improvement to both general and dental health. Children learn from their parents so it is important for parents to set a good example. Tooth decay is completely preventable; all it takes is a few minutes of brushing, flossing and rinsing each day.
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