by Holly Tribe
A recent poll by travel agent www.sunshine.co.uk revealed 71% of children between the ages of eight and fifteen have missed out on the experience of spending time in a caravan, and two-thirds have never been camping.
Joint founder of the company Chris Brown spoke to the Independent newspaper recently to share his thoughts. And he attributed these statistics to the fact that children are more inclined to stay indoors and play computer games than go outside and enjoy the open air.
“I think with advances in technology, such as games consoles and computers, more kids are staying indoors and not wanting to go out into the open air, which is an awful shame.”
The return of rickets
This modern penchant for indoor activities has been blamed for a recent upsurge in a disease which had disappeared from Britain altogether. Recent tests in Southampton found that the 17th century bone disease rickets has reappeared amongst children. The condition is triggered by sufferers not getting enough sunlight, and having a poor diet which results in vitamin D deficiency.
It causes softening and weakening of the bones which can lead to bowed legs and curvature of the spine. Professor Nicholas Clarke, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Southampton General Hospital, recently discovered 20% of children tested for rickets had the disease.
Prof. Clarke expressed his concern at the dramatic rise in the condition saying: “We are. seeing increasing numbers of children with rickets, which would have been inconceivable only a year or so ago.”
“This almost certainly involves a lack of exposure to sunlight, but also covering up in sunshine,” he added.
Medical experts advise that 15 minutes of sunshine a few times a week provides an adequate level of Vitamin D. And getting away on a caravanning holiday is an excellent way of encouraging the whole family to get outside in the fresh air.
Fun for all the family
There are several caravan clubs throughout the UK that provide activities and kids clubs. The Camping and Caravanning Club run a number of family orientated parks across the country with on-site activities designed to create a safe environment for children to play in. For a list of family friendly parks, click here.
To read more about the causes and treatment of rickets and Vitamin D deficiency, head to the NHS website..
