YOU might assume that diseases which reigned during the Victorian era would have been wiped out by modern medicine But a few have made a worrying resurgence in recent years, one of those being the bone-deforming disease rickets
Think of Charles Dickens’ character Tiny Tim, whose crippled legs may have been caused by the condition, according to modern medics.
Though the disease was common in the past, it mostly disappeared in the western world during the early 20th century after foods like margarine and cereal were fortified with vitamin D.
Now, regions in the UK have reported a startling surge in rickets, with cases in spots such as East Kent increasing sharply over the last five years.
Rickets, once synonymous with poverty and poor diets in Victorian Britain, affects bone development in children, causing bone pain, stunted growth and soft, weak bones that can lead to deformities.
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.
Left untreated, the condition can also lead to an abnormally curved spine, dental defects and seizures.
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Trust – one of the largest in England – recorded 122 cases in 2019.
But by 2023, that figure had swelled to more than 580 – a 380 per cent increase – according to a Freedom of Information request.
Most read in Health
Figures released earlier this year show that 28,379 Brits were diagnosed with rickets between 2019 and 2023.
Poverty and malnutrition could be factors fuelling the rise in scurvy cases in East Kent, as some parts of Thanet are among the poorest in England – more than 20 per cent of its population make up the bottom 10 per cent of most deprived Brits, according to KentOnline.
Cases of Victorian disease that causes ‘sandpaper rash and killer complications’ surge 42% in a week – is your area affected
But the surge in cases might also be down to medics getting better at spotting the Victorian disease.
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.
“Our neo-natal teams are robust in recommending vitamin D for babies at risk, including mothers who have low vitamin D.
“There is also increased awareness in our team to screen for vitamin D levels.
“For example, vitamin D screening is now included in our guidance for children with obesity as this group is at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency.
“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.”
NHS England figures show a sharp increase in hospital admissions for a vitamin D deficiency – from 31,576 admissions in 2013/14 to 188,114 last year – which can lead to the skeletal disorder if left untreated.
Sarah Calcutt, chief executive of City Harvest, a charity which wants to reduce food insecurity, said “There is a whole Dickensian list of diseases that come around because key food groups are missing from people’s diets.”
Vitamin D comes from exposing the skin to sunlight but is also found in foods such as oily fish, eggs and some cereals.
Any child who doesn’t get enough vitamin D or calcium – either through their diet, or from sunlight – can develop 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.
Previously, experts said the rising cost of living 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.
PREVENTING RICKETS
Medway GP Dr Julian Spinks says people of all ages should follow the national guidance and take vitamin D supplements to avoid the entirely preventable condition.
“We thought we’d got rid of it. But it is now back,” he told KentOnline.
“There is a possibility if a pregnant woman is very deficient herself that the baby will be born with a relative lack of vitamin D.
“However in most cases it’s because they’re not actually getting enough vitamin D and the two main ways we get it in the UK are from sunlight – particularly from April to September – and from food.
“Definitely diet plays a part. If children are not eating things like oily fish or eggs or for example – breakfast cereals which are often supplemented with vitamin D – then this will have an effect.
“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.”
How to protect your child from rickets
YOU can help prevent rickets in your children by ensuring they:
Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in vitamin D, with foods like oily fish, red meat, eggs yolks and fortified cereals and spreads
Spend time in the sun between March and September (wearing sun cream prevents vitamin D absorption from the sun, but you should still apply it before skin starts to burn)
Take vitamin D supplements
Babies up to a year old need 8.5 to 10 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D a day, unless they are fed 500ml or more of infant formula a day.
Children from the age of one to four should be given a daily supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D.
Adults – including pregnant and breastfeeding women – also need 10mcg of vitamin D a day, at least between October and March.
How do I know id my child has rickets
The signs and symptoms of rickets can include:
Pain – the bones affected by rickets can be sore and painful, so the child may be reluctant to walk or may tire easily; the child’s walk may look different (waddling)
Skeletal deformities – thickening of the ankles, wrists and knees, bowed legs, soft skull bones and, rarely, bending of the spine
Dental problems – including weak tooth enamel, delay in teeth coming through and increased risk of cavities
Poor growth and development – if the skeleton doesn’t grow and develop properly, the child will be shorter than average
Fragile bones – in severe cases, the bones become weaker and more prone to fractures
Source: NHS
For most children, rickets can be successfully treated by ensuring they eat foods that contain calcium and vitamin D, or by taking vitamin supplements.
Some families are eligible for free vitamin supplements from the government’s Healthy Start scheme.
The scheme can also support cash-strapped households with buying healthy food and milk.
For those who are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, and are eligible, a benefit card is topped up every four weeks to help with the purchase of fresh food.
The card can also be used to collect Healthy Start vitamins for pregnant and breastfeeding mums, as well as vitamin drops for babies and young children up to four years old.
Adding salt to your bathwater can provide numerous benefits that you may not be aware of. Here are five secret benefits of adding salt to your bathing water:
Soothes Sore Muscles: Salt has natural muscle relaxing properties that can help to soothe sore and aching muscles. By adding salt to your bath, you can help to relieve muscle tension and pain, making it a great post-workout recovery tool.
Improves Skin Health: Salt contains minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. By adding salt to your bathwater, you can help to improve the appearance of your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
Reduces Stress: Bathing in saltwater can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The minerals in the salt can help to calm the nervous system, making it easier to relax and unwind after a long day. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Helps to Detoxify the Body: Salt has natural detoxifying properties that can help to remove toxins from the body. By adding salt to your bathwater, you can help to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing toxins from the body.
Promotes Better Sleep: Bathing in saltwater can help to promote better sleep by relaxing the body and mind. The minerals in the salt can help to calm the nervous system, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
In conclusion, adding salt to your bathing water can provide numerous benefits for your body and mind. Whether you’re looking to soothe sore muscles, improve your skin health, reduce stress, detoxify your body, or promote better sleep, adding salt to your bath can help you achieve your goals.
Aging is a natural part of life, but how we age is often determined by the choices we make daily. While you can’t stop time, you can slow down its effects on your appearance by adopting certain habits that keep your body, skin, and mind youthful. Here are seven things that can help you look younger than your actual age:
1. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin plump, elastic, and glowing. Dehydrated skin looks dull, wrinkled, and aged. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day, and even more if you’re active or in a hot environment.
2. Eat a Balanced Diet
What you eat shows on your skin. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides essential nutrients and antioxidants that fight aging. Foods high in vitamins C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids help maintain firm, youthful skin and reduce wrinkles…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
3. Get Quality Sleep
Sleep is the body’s natural repair system. During deep sleep, your skin regenerates and your body produces collagen. Lack of sleep causes dark circles, puffy eyes, and a dull complexion. Aim for 7–9 hours of restful sleep each night.
4. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Sun damage is one of the fastest ways to age your skin. Use sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, and wear hats or sunglasses when outdoors. UV rays break down collagen and cause age spots, wrinkles, and sagging skin. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
5. Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity boosts blood circulation, which helps nourish skin cells and keep them healthy. Exercise also promotes better posture, muscle tone, and energy levels—all of which contribute to a more youthful appearance.
6. Practice Stress Management
Chronic stress releases cortisol, a hormone that breaks down collagen and accelerates aging. Meditation, prayer, yoga, deep breathing, and spending time in nature can help you manage stress and preserve your youthful glow.
7. Maintain a Positive Attitude
Your mindset can influence how you look. People who smile often, stay socially active, and embrace life with gratitude and joy tend to appear more vibrant and youthful.
By making these practices part of your lifestyle, you not only improve your appearance but also enhance your overall well-being. Looking young isn’t just about appearance—it’s about feeling young from the inside out.
Eating a banana first thing in the morning can have both benefits and drawbacks, depending on what your body needs and how it’s combined with other foods.
Bananas are rich in natural sugars like fructose, glucose, and sucrose, which provide a quick energy boost. That makes them great for jumpstarting your day, especially if you need fuel before a workout or a long day ahead.
They’re also high in potassium, which helps maintain proper nerve and muscle function, and supports heart health. Plus, the fiber in bananas, particularly pectin, can support digestion and help you feel full longer useful if you’re trying to avoid overeating later…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
However, eating a banana alone on an empty stomach isn’t ideal for everyone. Its high sugar content can cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels, followed by a crash that may leave you feeling tired or irritable. Also, since bananas are slightly acidic, they might cause mild digestive discomfort or acidity in some people when consumed without anything else.
To balance this out, it’s a good idea to pair your morning banana with protein or healthy fat like a handful of nuts, Greek yogurt, or a boiled egg. This slows down sugar absorption, keeps your energy levels stable, and makes the meal more balanced.
SPORTS9 months ago
SPORTS10 months ago
METRO5 months ago
SPORTS11 months ago
METRO9 months ago
METRO10 months ago
METRO5 months ago
ENTERTAINMENT11 months ago