Abu Dhabi: Doctors confirmed that the return of students to schools requires examining and reviewing seven major health problems that may affect academic achievement, concentration, and comprehension. They explained that early detection and timely treatment of these problems help students start their academic year in better health and with a greater ability to learn. The doctors pointed out that the most prominent of these problems are: poor eyesight, hearing impairment, sleep disorders and fatigue, anaemia, iron deficiency, malnutrition, dental problems, obesity, back and neck pain, and muscular problems related to a lack of physical activity and excessive use of electronic devices. They noted that some of these conditions may begin with simple symptoms, but they may negatively affect the student's concentration, memory, activity, and academic regularity.Specifically, doctors warned of a number of health problems that may seem simple at first, but may directly affect academic achievement and the student’s ability to concentrate and comprehend if they are not detected and dealt with early.Ophthalmologist Dr Ashwaq Bin Amr said eye health is an essential part of a child's readiness for school. Picture credit: SuppliedOphthalmologist Dr Ashwaq Bin Amr said: “Children may not always realise that their vision differs from normal vision, and some vision problems may develop without clear symptoms. Therefore, we encourage parents to prioritise their children’s eye health and consider a comprehensive eye examination as an important step in their preparations for the new school year. Early examination helps reassure parents and allows for the detection and early handling of any potential problems.”Paediatrician Dr Farah Al-Sheikh Bakrou emphasised that hearing tests for children are important for the early detection of any hearing problems, especially during the first years of a child's life, when they may not be able to express the existence of a problem. Early detection of hearing loss allows for appropriate intervention and treatment, and reduces its impact on speech and language development, academic achievement, and social communication.Furthermore, dental specialist Dr Rawan Salem shared that it is important to include dental check-ups in the health preparations for the school year, and advised not waiting for pain to appear before visiting the doctor. She called on parents to monitor their children's dental health regularly, encourage them to brush their teeth twice a day, and limit their consumption of sweets and sugary drinks, which contributes to maintaining oral health and ensuring a healthier and more focused start to the school year.Dr Hani Al-Hindawi, a paediatrician at Burjeel Medical City, pointed out that detecting iron deficiency and anaemia in students is a fundamental step to maintaining their health and ensure their proper growth, in addition to its role in supporting concentration, learning ability, and improving academic achievement. He warned that anaemia, resulting from iron deficiency, may be very mild, to the point where it is difficult to notice it in its early stages.He explained that iron deficiency can negatively affect a student's physical and mental activity, as it may lead to a constant feeling of tiredness and fatigue, which affects concentration, memory, and the ability to participate effectively in the school environment.Dr Hani Al-Hindawi said iron deficiency may be hidden, and early detection protects the student's concentration. Picture credit: SuppliedNutritionist Dr Sarah Khaled warned of the dangers of obesity among students, as they it causes health problems that may affect a child's health and quality of life. Obesity is also linked to complications that may extend into later stages of life. She pointed out that it may increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases, fatty liver, and obstructive sleep apnea.Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Hisham Abdullah also warned of the spread of neck curvature, or "tech neck" disease, among students, due to the excessive and incorrect use of smartphones and tablets, calling on parents to monitor their children and take the matter seriously.Psychiatrist Dr Ahmed El-Sayed called on parents to use the remaining days of the summer vacation to help their children gradually readjust their biological sleep clock by bringing forward their bedtime and waking up early, which helps the body adapt to the study routine and avoid headaches and fatigue during the first days of returning to schools.
