Doctors: children’s health has deteriorated

This was announced by DAK-gesundheit in hamburg on monday. On behalf of the health insurance fund, the forsa institute surveyed 100 pediatricians and adolescents nationwide about children’s health.

"Almost all physicians surveyed (94 percent) noted an increase in obesity," it hailed. "An increase in motor deficits among minors is seen by 80 percent of respondents." more than half of the physicians also noticed more back pain and posture problems.

The problems also depend on age: musculoskeletal disorders often affect three- to five-year-olds, weight problems are most common among six- to eight-year-olds, and back pain or postural deformities often plague eleven- to 14-year-olds.

More than half (51 percent) of the doctors surveyed believe that the general health of children in germany has deteriorated over the past ten years. 39 percent, on the other hand, believe it has improved.

In addition to a lack of exercise (96 percent) and unhealthy food (92 percent), doctors also see a lack of positive role models for parents (89 percent) as a threat to children’s health. 49 percent of the respondents also rated too little or poor physical education in schools as a risk factor.

The first signs of lack of exercise were detected during the regular preventive checkups for children, the so-called U-examinations, according to the health insurance company. Parents themselves often find it difficult to objectively judge whether their child is getting enough exercise. "In most cases, people’s own physical activity habits also influence their desire to be active," explains uwe dresel from DAK- gesundheit. "Children with active and health-conscious parents often have more access to sports and exercise."