child health

With an annual estimate of 15 million babies born prematurely worldwide, Papua New Guinea stands out with a significant rate of 9.1%, translating to 28,000 newborns facing early challenges each year.

The study in Scientific Reports suggests every hour spent using a touchscreen each day was linked to 15 minutes less sleep.

However, those playing with touchscreens do develop their fine motor skills more quickly.

Experts said the study was "timely" but parents should not lose sleep over it.

There has been an explosion in touchscreens in the home, but understanding their impact on early childhood development has been lacking.

The study by Birkbeck, University of London, questioned 715 parents of children under three years old.

This counts today where everything is processed or manufactured, including food, household detergents, even medicine.

She highlighted the hidden sugars and toxins in everyday things people use or feed their children with that is damaging to their health.

“Nothing may happen now but wait until they are 30 or 40. Their health status begins with what you’re putting into their body,” she said.

Simple reminder to parents are:

And a busy life also means unhealthy diet and lack of sleep as they try to cope up with the homework and assignments, and added responsibilities and obligations that come with age.

As an adult in a child’s life, it is important for parents and guardians to remember that a healthy, balanced diet for children provides essential vitamins, minerals and other nutritional goodies that kids need for healthy growth and development.