Parents urged to build healthier habits as new semester begins

As the new semester begins, health authorities are urging parents to tackle myopia, obesity and spinal curvature among schoolchildren by addressing the everyday habits that contribute to these health problems.

Insufficient outdoor activity, excessive screen use, late bedtimes and overconsumption of sugary snacks and drinks are common risk factors for the three conditions, Guo Xin, a senior physician at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a news conference in Beijing on Monday.

Rather than addressing each problem separately, targeting these shared risk factors can help prevent and improve multiple health issues simultaneously, Guo said.

The National Health Commission recommends that primary and secondary school students engage in at least two hours of physical activity every day, including at least 70 minutes of moderate-to-high intensity exercise. After school, 20 to 30 minutes of brisk walking, running, skipping rope or playing ball games can help control weight, protect eyesight and strengthen the spine, she said.

Guo also advised parents to ensure that children go to bed by 9:30 pm and maintain balanced diets rich in vegetables, fruit, dairy products and protein. She suggested replacing sugary snacks with fresh options such as tomatoes or small pieces of fruit.

Parents should also follow up on the results of school health screenings and watch for signs such as squinting, tilting the head or uneven shoulders, Guo said. If asymmetry is detected during a forward-bend test, parents should seek medical evaluation. She also recommended that children use double-strap backpacks with properly adjusted straps.

For home study, desk lamps and ceiling lights should be used together to reduce glare, she said. Parents should choose products with safety certification and be cautious about so-called eye-protection lamps, which are largely a marketing term and cannot prevent or treat myopia.

As autumn weather turns cooler, seasonal infectious diseases such as influenza and norovirus are also entering their peak seasons, Guo said.

She recommended that parents have their children vaccinated against influenza, noting that protective antibodies typically develop two to four weeks after vaccination. She also advised keeping homes and classrooms well-ventilated and teaching children to wash their hands frequently.

If children develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting or diarrhea, they should seek medical attention promptly or stay home until they have fully recovered before returning to school, she added.