UAE schools report rise in student health issues
School leaders and doctors in the UAE have reported that numerous students are coming back to school after the extended summer break with headaches and stomach issues.
Educators mentioned that the shift from relaxed summer routines to structured school schedules may be connected to these problems after a complete week of classes.
Educational organizations nationwide restarted their academic schedules on August 26 following a two-month summer vacation.
'Remain at home if feeling sick'
Schools follow a strict policy of 'stay home if you are feeling unwell' to guarantee the well-being and safety of students.
At the beginning of the school year and term, our school medical teams regularly inform parents about symptoms that require children to stay at home. Kandil recommended that both students and staff be free of symptoms for a minimum of 24 hours without taking medication in order to safely return to school.
Kandil mentioned that with the flu season approaching, schools are taking proactive measures to promote healthy habits, advocate for immunizations, and conduct awareness sessions.
Principals at schools following the Indian curriculum also highlighted that children may be more susceptible to common illnesses as they readjust to being in classrooms, and their well-being may be affected by the change in routine.
Common complaints often include stomach pain, headaches, minor cuts or wounds, and sports-related injuries, which are frequently experienced following travel or physical activity. Despite the low number of cases, Nandkeolyar stated that they are fully prepared and vigilant in monitoring the health of their students.
Trouble sleeping, heightened anxiety levels
Doctors stressed that even though respiratory infections and gastrointestinal problems are prevalent at the start of the school year, taking precautionary measures and being mindful can reduce their effects on children's well-being.
During this time of year, allergies are quite prevalent, according to Dr. Hanan Elmorshedi, a specialist in Pediatrics at Burjeel Day Surgery Center in Al Dhafra. Furthermore, a number of children are experiencing challenges with sleeping and heightened anxiety, possibly due to readjusting to the school setting.
Healthcare professionals advise parents to concentrate on assisting their children in creating a consistent schedule. They pointed out that giving importance to getting enough sleep, maintaining a well-rounded diet, and engaging in consistent physical activity can greatly assist in maintaining their health and strengthening crucial hygiene practices.
Consume home-cooked meals that are freshly prepared
Healthcare experts stressed the significance of kids consuming freshly cooked meals to reduce the chances of digestive problems, as there is typically a notable rise in such instances post-travel.
Dr Mohammed Asif, a Pediatric Specialist at Zulekha Hospital Sharjah, stated that he frequently sees cases in the outpatient department (OPD) and emergency room (ER) where children exhibit symptoms like fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. I recommend parents to prevent these problems by not giving their children food from outside and promoting good hygiene habits such as frequent hand washing.
Comments