We often read in the media, or hear from practitioners, that allergies like food allergies , skin allergies (eczema) and other long term health conditions are on the rise in children. Some of the reasons cited include:

• Toxins and synthetic chemicals in our environment
• Foods that are processed with hormones, colourings and preservatives and more.
• Inadequate nutrients in our diet.
• Digestive issues.

I have another scenario that I want to add to the story

But first some statistics that you may find interesting, particularly if you had a child with a long term health condition. These statistics are from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) about the Health of Australian Children. If you want to read more I’ve put a link at the end of this story.

• In 2004-05, 41% of children aged under 15 years had a long-term health condition compared with 44% in 2001(footnote 1) (ABS 2006 & ABS 2002).
• Boys (44%) were more likely than girls (38%) to have a long term health condition.
• Diseases of the respiratory system were reported for 19% of children - the main conditions were asthma (12%), hay fever and allergic rhinitis (8%) and chronic sinusitis (3%)(footnote 2).
• Diseases of the eye and adnexa were reported for 10% of children - the main conditions were long sightedness (4%) and short sightedness (4%).
• Mental and behavioural problems were reported for 7% of children overall - these main conditions were behavioural & emotional problems with usual onset in childhood or adolescence (3%) and problems of psychological development (3%).

Why am I listing these statistics?

Because the number of children is huge. If you do the calculations that is more than 1 in 3 children! As the ABS says: “Health gains brought about by better living conditions, education, medical care and vaccination would suggest that this generation of children should be the healthiest ever (Patton et al. 2005). However, there are emerging concerns related to rapid social change and the associated new morbidities such as increasing levels of behavioural, developmental, mental health and social problems (AIHW 2006). “

Why do I think they are so high?

I think that there is another factor playing out here and it is not widely acknowledged in our society yet. I believe our children have such a high level of allergies, asthma and long term health conditions because they are sensitive and are reacting to their environment. A child’s environment includes everything that I listed above plus the mental, physical and energetic environment they are living in.

Is there any scientific proof?

Yes there is. The science of Epigenetics is showing this to be the case. In layman’s terms, epigenetics is essentially the study of external or environmental factors that turn genes on and off and affect how cells read genes.

Would you like to know more?

Do some research on Epigenetics and find out what biologists are discovering around the world. I particularly like to work of Dr Bruce Lipton because he makes it easier for us to understand. I’m also sharing about Epigenetics (in simple layman’s terms) and how it relates to your sensitive child’s health and wellbeing, at my workshop, Raising Sensitive Children. My aim is to give you the tools to create an environment for your child to thrive. Book in and read more here

Join Karin Amali in the Raising Sensitive Children Workshop

Karin is running a ½ day workshop for parents of sensitive children called Raising Sensitive Children. No matter what the age of your child you will learn how to create an environment for your child to thrive. Find out more and book in here Find out more about Karin here Footnotes 1. A long term health condition is a current condition which has lasted or is expected to last for six months or more. 2. People may have more than one long term health condition, therefore the same child may be represented in more than one condition category. Read more Australian Bureau of Statistics: 4829.0.55.001 - Health of Children in Australia: A Snapshot, 2004-05  http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/mf/4829.0.55.001/