CHANGES IN CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND FITNESS SINCE PAST PANDEMIC

 CHANGES IN CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND FITNESS SINCE PAST PANDEMIC

I was reminiscing about my life before this pandemic. Just two years down the line, all the way back to my home from office at 6pm, I used to cherish the kids playing in parks, basements of apartments, on roads. Those sweaty, dirty faces had a different beauty in itself. And there used to be this group of moms scolding their kids to get back home and finish their homework. But now things seem to have taken a back seat and life isn't that jolly anymore. I can hardly see any kids playing. And the most disheartening thing is they have been caged by the bars of electronic gadgets. And yes this is the bitter truth we are facing post pandemic. Pandemic forced us to go to a lockdown and for a very significant period of time schools and colleges remain closed. The fear of the virus and the need for social distancing stopped the children from playing out of the houses. The natural idea of face to face interactions with peers was grounded. Adults being adults and in spite of having work got bored and faced challenges. Thus, one can imagine how vulnerable children’s situation would have been. The age in which one is meant to run, jump, cycle, etc, instead they were confined within the four walls of their houses.

The pandemic had its consequences both on physical as well as mental health of the children.

Broadly, these  following issues can be seen:

No physical activity

Reduced inclination towards outdoor games

Lethargy

Health issues such as obesity ,weak eyesight

Increased usage of electronic gadgets

Depression

Anger issues

Emotional instability

Self-absorbed behavior

Anxiety

Mood disorders

Disturbed sleep patterns

Thus, the pandemic has affected children’s health on physical, mental and emotional grounds. Because of the pandemic children were given access to have mobile phones and electronic gadgets at a very early stage. Though it started with online classes, the other part of it was too scary. They were exposed to a world – a world full of entertainment, games, gossip, WhatsApp, Instagram, snapchat, YouTube, reels, hashtags, trending and what not. To wrap up, they entered a virtual world which seemed quite engaging and easy to them. Now, the issue is they are used to this kind of lifestyle. The above mentioned issues are the result of the lifestyle exercised during the pandemic. There is an array of challenges before us as a consequence of the pandemic.

To cope up with the current situation, remind the children that human beings are social animals. Get them out to the playgrounds. Let them play rigorously. Engage them in a group activity. Tell them that mobiles aren’t there for their tender hands. Bring them toys. Make a habit of reading story books. And most importantly interact with them. Nurture them. 

Author Credits: Prajakta