Children are at risk of getting rickets, says doctor

The 19th century epidemic, rickets has just recently returned and is becoming a major issue in the UK. The disease which is caused by a vitamin D deficiency is affecting the lives of children all over the UK. With a lack of vitamin D, children are unable to grow and mature properly. Rickets causes skeletal pains and bone deformities. Many children with this disease face many uncertainties about their future. They may also face a lifetime of surgical procedures to help correct bone deformities. South Hampton General Hospital's doctor of Children's Orthopedics, Dr. Joseph M Reed says that about 40 percent of children that are admitted to the orthopedic outpatient service at South Hampton are suffering from vitamin D deficiency. Doctor Reed says that this is a serious issue and there is a lack of awareness taking place in the UK. Vitamin D can be produced by the skin after adequate exposure to ultraviolet B light. The vitamin can also be found in foods such as oily fish, eggs, and meat but the easiest way for children to obtain this vitamin is from sunlight. Doctor Reed says that all parents need is a little bit of knowledge to prevent their children from developing these deformities caused by vitamin D deficiencies. Just fifteen minutes of sunlight a day can be the answer to the problem of Rickets and vitamin D deficiency. He reports that the general public needs to be informed of the harm children are experiencing and says that the Department of Health should be more involved in helping children at risk. Doctor Reed says that by raising awareness about choosing to substitute indoor activities for outdoor activities such as walking to school rather than carpooling could increase vitamin D intake. He also presents the option of offering supplements to at risk children as well. Until reading this article I was unaware of the seriousness of Rickets and the risk that vitamin D deficiency poses on children. I think that Doctor Reed's efforts to raise awareness to UK's general public and Department of Health is a smart decision. He is looking out for his patients and the children of the UK who are suffering from such a debilitating disease. Childhood rickets may be reemerging in the UK but Dr. Reed and his efforts could potentially benefit the lives of many children at risk.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12357382