The Center for Disease Control (CDC) claims there is a strong link between poor academic performance and health-related factors such as chronic illness, physical and emotional abuse and hunger. Other risks factors that affect school performance are inactivity, substance abuse and violence. Some health problems are directly related to being in school; others are age- and family-related.
School-Related Illnesses
Simply being in school has health risks associated with it. Simply being in close proximity with a number of other people for an extended period of time increases the chances of getting sick. The Mayo Clinic says the top reasons children miss school are the common cold, the stomach flu, ear infections, pink eye and sore throat.
The common cold, stomach flu, pink eye and sore throat are all highly contagious and are transmitted by droplets containing the virus. A person can transmit the disease to uninfected individuals by sneezing, coughing or transferring the virus to commonly used surfaces. Simply being in the same room as an infected individual can spread any of these diseases. The fact that children spend a large part of their day inside crowded classrooms increases their chances of contracting an illness.
Age-Related Illnesses
School-age children are naturally at risk for a number of childhood diseases. Because of their immature immune systems, children of this age group tend to get more chicken pox, ear infections, fifth disease, mononucleosis and strep throat.
Chicken pox is an infectious disease that causes fever and a red, itchy rash. It is highly contagious. Ear infections occur more commonly in children because of the angle of the Eustachian tube in the ear. Ear infections are especially common after an upper respiratory infection. Fifth disease may look and feel like a mild case of chicken pox and is also contagious.
Mononucleosis is an infection by the Epstein-Barr virus and produces a sore throat, swollen glands and fever and may last for several weeks or months. Strep throat is caused by an overgrowth of the streptococcus virus and may require treatment with antibiotics.
In addition, the Colorado State University Extension states that childhood obesity has risen dramatically in recent years. High-calorie convenience foods, a decrease in physical activity and an increase in television viewing have all contributed to the problem. Childhood obesity can lead to an increase in risk factor for heart disease, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, asthma and liver damage.
Mental Illnesses
Bullying is an ever-present threat for school-age children. The abuse can be physical, such as hitting, pushing or hair-pulling, verbal or even online. The effects of bullying can last a lifetime and cause children and teenagers to become violent, withdrawn or even suicidal.
Stress and anxiety are health problem that also arise in school-age children. A fact sheet published by the University of Georgia says that pushing children to perform causes stress that may show up as frequent headaches or stomach aches, withdrawal from friends or family, sad, jittery or irritable behavior, temper tantrums or avoidance of school. Anxiety stemming from parental or teacher expectations, poor performance, lack of athletic ability or peer pressure can also result in health-related issues.
