Health Explainer: ‘Victorian Diseases’
YOU might assume that diseases which reigned during the Victorian era would have been wiped out by modern medicine.
A lack of vitamin D - derived from sunlight and some foods - or calcium is the most common cause of the disease, though in rare cases children can be born with a genetic form of rickets.
East Kent's Chief Medical Officer Des Holden said: "We interpret that part of the increase is due to increased recognition and more accurate recording of rickets."Children with rickets may previously have been recorded as having vitamin D deficiency and treated appropriately, but we have improved recording in our coding systems that they meet criteria to diagnose rickets."
But according to the NHS, it's more common in children with dark skin, as they need more sunlight to get enough vitamin D, as well as children born prematurely or taking medication that interferes with vitamin D.is likely to be behind the surge in rickets and scurvy - another Victorian era disease - as parents struggle to afford fruit and veg and are instead forced to buy cheaper junk food, which lacks vital vitamins and minerals.
"Whilst it's a very small proportion of the population, it is worrying that this is making a comeback and it's because it's a very preventable condition."YOU can help prevent rickets in your children by ensuring they:
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