Sports doctor Hakkarainen raises an important issue that deserves serious attention. Both parents and young people should read this article carefully—perhaps even twice—and take note.
However, Hakkarainen omits two important points:
Bone health issues in young people are partly due to insufficient vitamin D intake.
I have observed cases closely where children engaged in sports suffered stress fractures. When their vitamin D intake was increased to 100 μg/day, and vitamin K was added to improve absorption, bone density measurably improved within a year. Problems related to weak ligaments and bones were resolved. The children were also given collagen supplements.
“Hakkarainen refers to poor posture while sitting as ‘slouching,’ which he considers a modern public health concern.”
Research shows that over half of students finishing school have detectable changes in their spine due to slouching and the associated habit of sitting with a rounded back.
At home and at school, children should have height-adjustable desks and high-quality, mid-range rocking saddle chairs that promote healthy, active sitting and support correct posture.
Poor sitting habits can also lead to lasting issues for many, even several percent of a given age group, including mild scoliosis, or twisting of the spine, which may affect them for life.
A workstation like this, even with a high-quality domestic chair, costs well under €1,000. The annual cost (just a few tens of euros) is negligible compared to the importance of preventing the harmful effects of poor ergonomics.
Wearing barefoot-style shoes part of the day can help strengthen the feet.
School commutes of 2–3 kilometers should be walked, and longer distances cycled.
A fit, active young person can easily maintain an average speed of 20 km/h on a good bicycle. A 10 km commute can therefore be completed in just half an hour, which is already a good addition to their daily physical activity.
Coaches and physical education teachers should provide guidance, and parents should take responsibility for supporting their child’s health.
