Encourage children to take part in physical activities: KGMU prof

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SHOULD INCLUDE MUSCLESTRENGTHENING EXERCISES, SUCH AS CLIMBING OR DOING PUSH-UPS

LUCKNOW : Encourage children to participate in physical activities at least five times a week to keep their bones healthy, said Prof Ajai Singh, HoD of paediatric orthopaedic at the King George’s Medical University (KGMU) on Monday.

Speaking at an awareness programme on the topic of ‘Healthy Bones of Childhood Lead to Healthy Adult Bones’ on the occasion of World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day (October 19), Prof Singh said, “Physical activity varies depending on child’s age, ranging from being active all day for preschoolers (ages 3 to 5) to be active for 60 minutes or more for school-aged children and teenagers (ages 6 to 17 years). It should include musclestrengthening exercises, such as climbing or doing push-ups.”

Department of Paediatric orthopaedics, KGMU and Uttar Pradesh Orthopaedic Association (UPOA) had organised the awareness programme.

“In terms of nutrition, provide your children with a calciumrich diet. Calcium is found in moderate amounts in dairy products. Ragi is a fantastic source of calcium for individuals living in the south. If Ragi is unavailable, people from north India can substitute Rajma or Sesame,” he said.

The interactive session to resolve myths also had Prof Ashish Kumar President-elect UPOA along with Prof SN Shankhwar the chief medical superintendent of KGMU who emphasised the importance of such public awareness events.

“Bones of children are different than adults hence their diet and care for healthy bone is different than that of adults,” said Dr Sandeep Kapoor, director of Healthcity hospital.

“Colas, sodas, and aerated drinks should not be included in a child’s diet. The ‘90-90-90’ guideline should be followed when sitting for children, said doctors. Your child’s elbows, hips, and knees should all be at a 90-degree angle when he sits. This means that your child’s workstation should be at the same height as their elbow,” said Prof Singh.