Poor bone health is becoming a common health problem and health-related problem. Experts weigh in on the major causes of weak bones in children and what to do to strengthen them.

Bones form an integral part of a child's overall health, starting early in life to maintain a strong and active life. Bones for blueprints of body structure. The need to ensure optimal bone health in children is even more important in a country like India due to various environmental, dietary and lifestyle factors. However, several challenges pose a potential threat to developing healthy bones in Indian children and highlight the need for targeted interventions.

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Bone health challenges in Indian children

1. Nutritional deficiencies: One of the biggest challenges to bone health in Indian children comes from malnutrition. India.com Dr. Contacted Neeraj Gupta, Consultant, Pediatric Orthopaedics, Orthopedics and Joint Replacement, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad. He explained that calcium and vitamin D are the two most essential nutrients that build strong bones, but most children are deficient in either. The average Indian diet, especially among rural and poor urban populations, has insufficient dairy products and green leafy vegetables to provide the scarce intake of calcium. In addition, low levels of vitamin D are expected to be common due to limited sun exposure – vitamin D is produced in the skin from sun exposure.
2. Sedentary Lifestyle: The impact of digital technology on children's lives now attracts them to more indoor activities like video games, watching television etc. and develops a sedentary lifestyle. As important as physical activity is to bone health, it supports bone formation and strength. A growing concern about the lack of regular exercise and outdoor play in urban areas increases the risk of weak bones.
3. No vitamin D exposure: Some cultural practices also weaken bone health. For example, the popular cultural practice of keeping infants and young children indoors at dawn prevents them from sunlight. This can lead to vitamin D deficiency.
4. Juvenile arthritis: It is a form of arthritis in children that causes joint swelling, burning and stiffness. The disease can develop in children, but it affects bone development at a young age.
5. Delayed Puberty: A late onset of puberty can also affect bone health. According to various researches, delayed puberty can affect bone mineral density, which may increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Expert-backed ways to improve bone health

• Nutritional Diet: As children grow older, dietary patterns need to be focused on, with emphasis on consuming calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, green, leafy vegetables, and other foods rich in vitamin D and calcium. nutritional deficiency. Children at highest risk may be given these nutrients in supplement form, if recommended under the guidance of a physician.
• Physical Activity: Physical activities such as running, jumping and playing outdoor sports are and are very beneficial for developing strong bone density. This means it is important for schools and neighborhoods to provide safe and accessible playgrounds and exercise areas, as well as encouraging children to participate in regular physical activity.
• Sunlight: Allowing a child to spend some time outside, mostly early in the morning or in the evening when the sun is not too hot, can also help increase vitamin D levels. Even in an urban environment, it can be possible to have regular and appropriate playtime to challenge activities organized outdoors.

Bone health among Indian children is a concern that has recently become a concern for many reasons, including sedentary lifestyles and nutritional deficiencies. Targeted treatments aimed at increasing physical activity, improving nutrition, and getting adequate sunlight can successfully address these issues. When bone health is prioritized, children in India can be guaranteed to grow up with strong and healthy bones essential for an active and fulfilling life.