What issues to target in health for children

Children face a unique set of health-related issues. Not only do they have specific issues with regards to their growing and developing bodies and organs, they are also at an age where they can begin to develop lifelong habits with regards to health.

If you have a business that is health related, then you know the importance of targeting your products and services to a specific group, condition, or specialty. If you would like to start a health business for children, the following are issues to target in health for children:

Obesity
In 1964, the childhood obesity rate was 5%. Today, it's over 20%. With obesity rates in children rising and continuing to climb, one health issue for children to target is obesity. Managing weight in children is important for a wide range of reasons. Overweight children are more likely to be teased in school and suffer from self esteem problems. More importantly, health related issues in children, such as diabetes and asthma, can stem from obesity. In addition, overweight children tend to grow into overweight adolescents and overweight adults, which could result in premature death.

Healthy eating programs and weight management for children are good businesses if you are targeting obesity in children. Many parents are also hiring personal trainers to help their children get in shape.

ADD/ADHD
There is a growing recognizance in ADD/ADHD in children. While many believe this condition is over diagnosed and over treated, symptoms of ADD and ADHD can take a toll on children and make it difficult for them to do well in school.

Many parents, however, are reluctant to medicate their children or have been worried about the effects of ADD and ADHD medicine on their children and are looking for alternative products and means to manage their child's ADD or ADHD. Businesses that specialize in ADD and ADHD, whether it is providing coping mechanisms or alternative treatments, will see a growing customer base.

Autism
A growing number of parents are concerned with autism in their children, and there have been many speculations with regards to what causes it, from diet to vaccinations to genetics. Autism can range from very mild to very severe, and many parents want to know how to better manage autism and communicate with their children. Autism rates have risen dramatically in recent years, as doctors are better able to identify it.

In addition, some parents have found success in greatly reducing or even eliminating symptoms of autism in their children simply by changing their diet around, usually by eliminating gluten or certain dyes. This growing interest is one target.

Infectious diseases
Most kids can't escape the cold or flu every now and again. Daycares, schools, and every day germs in the air mean that children will come down with a cold or flu at some point, even in infancy.

However, recently medical experts have warned parents not to give cold and flu medication to children under the age of 6. As a result, many parents are seeking alternative, safe treatments for cold and flu and other infectious diseases. In addition, preventative measures and products are also an issue to target when it comes to children and their health.

Children's unique health challenges require a special set of treatments, products, and education. The above are just a few of the more common health issues facing parents and children today.