An UNFORESEEN Harm to Your Grandkids? [Pandemic]

We talk a lot about how COVID-19 has impacted adults—especially older adults.

But what about your grandchildren?

The COVID-19 infection rate in children is extremely low (thankfully), but that doesn’t mean they’re not affected.

The truth is that COVID-19 has been having an unforeseen impact on our children and grandchildren.

And it’s something they could be dealing with for the rest of their lives — even if they never get COVID-19.

Here’s what you need to know to keep the children in your life safe.

Last year, as the US shut down schools and encouraged people to shelter in place, there was a natural consequence:

Kids started spending even more time in front of screens — and even less time outdoors.

And it’s been a disaster for their eyesight.

Too many children already spend too much time glued to the TV, iPad, or whatever other newfangled gadget that’s out these days.

But when schools turned virtual, kids were forced to spend all day in front of their computer just to attend class!

Now, a recent study has shown that all that screen time has caused an alarming rise in nearsightedness.

When you’re nearsighted, you can see things close up, but you need glasses to see things far away.

This cross-sectional study included 123,535 children who underwent 194,904 photo screening tests. In children 6-8 years old, the prevalence of myopia TRIPLED in 2020 compared to the previous five years.

The problem isn’t just too much screen time… it’s not enough time outside in the sun.

You see, when you get sunlight directly on your retina, it creates more dopamine. This helps regulate the growth of your eyes so that they don’t become elongated (which is the case with myopia).

Being outdoors also gives your eyes more opportunity to look at things farther away.

In fact, spending more time outdoors has been shown to reduce the amount and frequency of myopia by at least 10 percent.

The increase in nearsightedness is so major that nearly half of the world’s population will be nearsighted in the next 30 years.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Kids should be limited to no more than two hours of screen time per day.

And for every hour spend in front of a screen, spend at least 10 minutes outside. Of course, more is better.

So, when your grandkids come to visit, try to opt for fun, outdoor activities, and set those screens aside!

Dr. Richard Gerhauser

P.S. While there’s light at the end of the tunnel in terms of the pandemic, it doesn’t mean we should completely throw caution to the wind. If you’re looking for ways to keep your body’s defenses strong against COVID-19 – and other viruses – click here and read about 4 supplements that may help lower your risk.