United Arab Emirates, Dubai, September 8, 2013: The Dubai Health Authority recently hosted its live twitter forum to address back-to-school health queries. The live Q and A forum which took place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. last Thursday, provided parents with an opportunity to raise their queries about the health of their children and ways to ensure healthy back-to-school transition as children begin their new academic year. DHA panel of experts including school health experts, dieticians and pedodontists, provided several health tips related to all aspects of child health such as posture and physical exercise, vaccinations, health and nutrition as well as oral hygiene health tips. Dr Fatheya Al Maazmi, head of health promotion section at the DHA said: “ One of the fundamental mistakes school children make is carrying heavy school bags, some of them even carry it on one shoulder, this tilts the spine and ruins the posture. The rule of thumb is that your child's school bag should not be more than 10 per cent of your child's body weight. Parents should also sit with their children and clear out unwanted items from school bags and non-essential items can be kept in the school locker.” Al Maazmi also focused on the need to inculcate good physical exercise habits among children from a young age. She said: “It is a known fact that children imitate their parents, so as the new academic year begins, it's time for parents to set good examples by exercising themselves. Families can take part in exercise activities together, this helps create a positive association towards exercise and well-being.” Dr Fatma Al Olama, head of school health, primary healthcare sector at the DHA seconded this opinion and said that inactivity and watching excessive television are common problems that parents need to tackle. She said: “ Parents should ensure that children follow a strict routine once the summer holidays are over. This includes no eating in front of the television as this is a common problem that leads to overeating and excessive weight gain.” She also highlighted the importance of encouraging good personal hygiene habits to minimize the risk of children picking up infections. She said: “ Once school begins, children will pick up infections, encouraging hand hygiene is one of the best ways to minimize this risk. Children must learn to wash their hands before eating. Moreover, parents should not send their sick child to school as their child needs rest and it prevents spreading infection among other school children.” She also focused on the need to ensure that children's vaccinations are up-to-date and that they are vaccinated against diseases such as chicken-pox which is highly infectious and leads to long absenteeism. Addressing the issue of oral hygiene, she said: “The rate of caries is high in this region. So after your child eats a sugary food, they should gargle at school, if not, ask them to eat a cucumber or carrot or drink water to prevent teeth decay.” Dr Amal Al Ahdal, pedodontist at the DHA said: “Dental emergencies can happen anytime but the chances are higher now that kids are back in school. Knowing how to deal with dental trauma is important. Loss of tooth is a common cause of dental trauma. If your child's permanent tooth gets knocked out, place the tooth in milk or water or back in the socket if possible and go to the dentist immediately. The tooth should be preserved and taken along to the dentist for possible replacement.” She added that wearing a properly fitted mouth guard while participating in organized sports or playground activities is important to protect your child's teeth. The panel also discussed several nutritional tips including healthy lunch boxes and high-energy snacks that children should carry for after school activities.Reham Salim, dietician at the DHA said: “Studies show that breakfast eaters tend to have higher school attendance. It is important to encourage them to have a sit-down nutritious breakfast every morning, even if this means waking up earlier. Breakfast on-the-go is a habit that should be discouraged.” She also said that it's important to provide your children with high energy snacks, especially if they stay back for after school activities. “High energy snacks include whole-grain crackers, cheese, juices without sugar etc.” Mariam Al Shamsi, dietician at the DHA, said: “ One of the most important ways to encourage healthy eating patterns is to educate children about food and to take into account their likes and dislikes. An innovative menu every week that has been planned and reviewed with your children will make lunch boxes more fun. Taking them grocery shopping is a good activity and will create positive reaffirmation towards food.” The next twitter clinic will take place on Thursday, 12th of September from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and will discuss health tips and vaccinations for Hajj pilgrims
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