Promoting Academic Achievement: How Vision Health Impacts School Performance

2023-08-31 14:28:52

Vision problems are one of the most important causes of poor school achievement

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) takes great care of the health and safety of children and young people when they return to their schools each year, and provides advice to parents and teachers to help children and adolescents maintain their physical fitness and stay healthy, and thus achieve high academic achievement, whether they are At the kindergarten stage or in the following educational stages up to secondary school.

In order for the school year to be more healthy and productive, we must take into account some health basics, such as healthy vision and the absence of any eye disorders, in addition to following health rules, such as getting the flu vaccine in the fall, healthy sleep, general hygiene, and washing hands frequently, stave off injury, and stay active all year round.

Eye health and academic achievement

Eye health is one of the most important things that parents should take into account, as a healthy eye is the most important tool for learning and achievement. Vision problems are the most important causes of learning difficulties and poor school performance. Discovering and treating visual impairment is the most important thing that should be taken care of at the beginning of each academic year.

I spoke to “Your Health” Dr. Julia Semper Mataridonna, a consultant ophthalmologist at the “Barraquer Eye Hospital” in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, who explained at the outset that it is estimated that at least a third of the world’s children have; That is, there are 72 million children in the world who are not enrolled in schools because they suffer from one of the disabilities, including “visual impairment.”

Dr. Julia Semper Matarredonna

* The importance of annual eye examination: Dr. Julia indicated that there are many studies that show a clear relationship between poor academic achievement and visual problems, so it is recommended to conduct an early eye examination in order to determine if the child suffers from any problem with it.

Many children do not complain or do not feel that they have vision problems. It is not right to exclude their “refractive defects”, such as myopia, farsightedness, and astigmatism. There are other eye conditions, such as allergies and dry eyes, that must be diagnosed early and appropriate treatment given. she has. Just as annual dental exams are recommended, we strongly recommend an annual eye review.

* Signs of a problem: Are there signs appearing in the child suggesting a problem in his eye? Dr. Julia replies that there are some symptoms that the family should pay attention to, which may indicate that the child needs an eye examination. she:

Blinking, and/or excessive tearing, and frequent rubbing of the eyes.

Covering or closing one eye, from time to time, to improve vision.

Getting too close to a book, tablet, computer, or TV.

Having poor or blurry vision sometimes when doing activities.

Lack of attention, difficulty concentrating, or poor school performance.

Having a headache or feeling dizzy following the study period or following doing homework.

– Complaining regarding problems in seeing clearly what is written and/or what is shown on the board.

– Using the fingers of the hand to follow the text when reading, with continuous blinking and frowning due to the difficulty of reading.

Permanent stumbling due to not calculating the distances well, as a result of the lack of a sense of depth.

In general, even in children who do not have symptoms, annual eye examinations are recommended, but if any of the above signs appear, it is necessary to see an ophthalmologist for early treatment and to avoid exacerbation of the problem, which may cause some risks while it can be avoided.

Health essentials

* Vaccination: Getting vaccinations at the right time helps; From newborns to young adults, we help protect children and adolescents from common childhood diseases and many highly contagious and life-threatening diseases, such as measles, whooping cough and chickenpox. Vaccinations also protect the child’s classmates, friends, relatives and others in the community.

One of the newest vaccines available can prevent cancer; The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a common virus that is spread through intimate contact and can lead to certain types of cancer later in life.

Making sure that a child between the ages of 11 and 12 gets two doses of the HPV vaccine can prevent these cancers.

In addition, children may be required to be vaccinated once morest certain diseases before the first day of school. If a child misses an immunization, the healthcare provider can use the catch-up vaccination schedule to get them back on track.

Make sure your children are vaccinated before the back-to-school season begins.

Good nutrition and exercise: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regarding one in five American children suffer from obesity, which puts them at risk of developing asthma, sleep apnea, bone and joint problems, and high blood pressure. , high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. Children who are obese are also more likely to suffer from social isolation, depression and low self-esteem.

Most children consume regarding half of their calories at school, and this makes school a great place to learn and practice healthy eating. It is a gift that will last a lifetime. Parents and teachers should encourage children to eat a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, dairy products, lean meats and oils with limited amounts of saturated fats, added sugars and sodium.

Being physically active can help reduce anxiety and even help a child focus at school. The time children spend watching TV, playing video games and surfing the web is when they can be physically active. Experts recommend that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Including running and walking.

Good habits

* Healthy Sleep: Getting a good night’s sleep is not only important for a child’s growth and development; It is also key to his health and well-being. Accordingly; The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 9 to 12 hours of sleep for children ages 6 to 12, and 8 to 10 hours for children ages 13 to 18. To help them get back into the habit of going to bed early, try to maintain a consistent schedule, follow a relaxing nighttime routine, and turn off all electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime. And it is as follows:

Help your child adjust to earlier bedtimes a week or two before the start of the new school year.

Set a fixed bedtime for your child and stick to it every night.

Follow a consistent bedtime routine to help the baby settle and fall asleep. For example; Bathing, reading with him, putting him in his place, and saying: “Good night.”

Have your child turn off their electronic devices well before bedtime.

Try to keep the house as quiet as possible when young children are trying to sleep.

* Washing hands: Germs spread everywhere, so if one of us touches a surface, even if it appears clean to him, then touches his face, it is likely that he will get sick, because the surface is full of germs that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Washing hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of colds, flu, and other illnesses to others.

Parents and teachers can teach students to wash hands properly so that they do not spread germs or diseases to others. Children must be taught the importance of washing their hands before eating. After using the toilet and following blowing nose, coughing or sneezing. Hand washing also helps keep students, their families and school staff healthy so they don’t miss school or work.

Limit sugary drinks: Although beverage calories are clearly listed on the Nutrition Facts label, many people don’t realize how many calories are in the beverages they drink. Fortunately, water is a great alternative to sugary drinks, as it is calorie-free and low-cost. Drinking plenty of water every day is a healthy behavior that should be inculcated for life.

* Beware of electronic cigarettes: Electronic cigarettes are the most widely used among American youth. In 2018, more than 3.6 million young people used e-cigarettes; Including 1 in 5 students in high school, and 1 in 20 students in middle school.

The nicotine in e-cigarettes can harm a developing teen’s brain, specifically areas of the brain responsible for learning, memory, and attention.

To prevent the use of e-cigarettes, parents and teachers can talk to their children and students regarding the harms of e-cigarettes and the reasons for preventing them. Note that the regulations in Saudi Arabia prohibit smoking in all its forms. Including electronic cigarettes, in implementation of the tobacco-free society policy.

Education departments have adequate documentation, including pictures, figures, and articles, that can be used to help students learn regarding the dangers of smoking and using e-cigarettes.

Diseases and injuries

* Heat illnesses: The new school year has started with extremely hot weather, and this requires us to introduce heat-related illnesses (heat rash, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and sunstroke) and ways to prevent and treat them. Let’s remember the following tips:

Schedule workouts and practices for early or late in the day when the temperature is lowest.

Limit outdoor activity, especially in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest.

Activity pace: Start activities slowly and then gradually increase the pace.

Apply and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.

Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Muscle cramps may be an early sign of heat-related illness.

Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.

– Visit the Ministry of Health website or take advice via the number «937» to learn more regarding heat-related diseases.

* Injuries and Accidents: It should be noted that any child is at risk of falling or hitting the head on the floor or the wall and the possibility of concussion anywhere in the school; Starting from the school classroom to the lobby, playground, cafeteria and beyond where sporting activities take place.

Being able to recognize and respond to concussions early can help save a life. It is important that every school has a written plan to follow in case of emergencies and casualty care. The plan should include emergency medications, and assistive devices and devices such as a wheelchair. and to communicate and coordinate with the child’s teacher; Which relieves anxiety and fears.

* Communication between the family and the school: It strengthens the relationship between them and increases their support for children, and develops in them attachment and belonging, and has a strong impact on their lives and educational path, and reduces their exposure to negative health outcomes in the future, including:

Infection with an infectious disease.

– Prevention of bad behaviors such as smoking or drug use.

– Prevention of becoming victims of physical violence.

Preventing suicide and youth violence and reducing negative health outcomes.

Community medicine consultant

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