🌿 Folk Prescriptions

With summer arriving, students enter their summer break after a grueling semester. This period offers children a chance to relax, rest, and recover physical and mental energy. However, if vacation habits are poorly managed, the opposite effect occurs—instead of rejuvenation, serious "summer vacation syndrome" may develop. Common types include:"Three Electronics" AutismComputers, televisions, and video game consoles—collectively known as the "three electronics." In sweltering summer days, they become constant companions for some children. Many spend six to seven hours daily glued to screens, quickly developing dry, sore eyes and headaches—classic "screen syndrome." Mild cases show mental fog and withdrawal, preferring to stay indoors watching TV or browsing online rather than going outside. Severe cases result in psychological issues, such as irritability and aggressive behavior. For instance, violent video games, combined with prolonged tension, subtly foster anxiety. Minor disagreements with family members may lead to outbursts. Summer has become a peak season for "three electronics" autism tendencies.Overload Fatigue SyndromeEvery summer, various tutoring classes emerge. Parents eager for their children to excel often enroll them in art, calligraphy, dance, vocal training, and instrument lessons. Before summer even begins, parents scramble to find specialized classes—morning dance, afternoon painting. Some children attend up to seven classes weekly, from Monday to Sunday, with no day off—computer, English, composition, math Olympiad, painting, calligraphy, etc.No wonder many students complain: "Vacation is harder than school!" Last summer, one elementary student suffered severe neurasthenia due to overwhelming pressure and had to withdraw from school.Children Developing "Adult Diseases"In large and medium-sized cities, more children are being diagnosed with adult-onset conditions like hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and fatty liver. Though rare overall, the incidence continues rising—an issue not to be ignored.The primary cause is obesity. During summer, many children lack dietary discipline and consume excessive nutrients, increasing their risk of these adult diseases. Additionally, sugary drinks and fast food—with high fat and sugar content—create conditions conducive to adult illnesses. Lack of physical activity is another factor. Excessive academic pressure and long study hours neglect sports, weakening children’s physical fitness and even leading to cervical spine problems and gastric issues.Preventing "Summer Vacation Illness": Enjoy a Stress-Free HolidayMedical experts emphasize guiding children toward active rest—travel, sports, summer camps, reading interesting books. Parents should limit screen time: no more than two hours per session for TV or internet use.Second, help children establish healthy eating habits. Improve household meal structure: increase intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains; moderately consume protein-rich foods. Ensure balanced, nutritious meals across three daily meals to avoid malnutrition or imbalance.Third, reduce academic pressure, maintain regular sleep schedules, and ensure adequate rest. Modern medicine views sleep as a protective measure, enhancing immune function and enabling bodily restoration, mental regulation, and energy storage. Chronic sleep deprivation disrupts biological rhythms, affecting growth and development in children and adolescents.In short, the purpose of summer vacation is "rest." Teachers should remind parents to reasonably arrange children’s holiday lives—maintaining regular routines, proper nutrition, and balanced activity—to make holidays truly joyful times.