> Public health of children and adolescents – a foundation that is crumbling and how to rebuild it
The origins of the child and adolescent health crisis
The public health of children and adolescents is in a critical state, even though most have not yet entered the treatment system. This crisis begins not in the hospital, but in the school classroom, on the playground, at home – with a decline in movement, strength, and resilience.
We point out that a school gym is one of the most effective tools that any country can implement to prevent a health catastrophe for future generations.
We analyze WHO, MAHA and GBD data, compare international systems and present a ready-made systemic solution based on education, prevention and movement.
Every day, the world talks about hospitals, medicines, diseases, and treatments. But rarely is there talk of how to ensure that people don't have to get sick at all . This is precisely what public health is about—a system of social and systemic actions designed to prevent illnesses before they occur and build a healthy society from an early age.
Children and adolescents are not just the future—they are the present of public health . If a young person today is overweight, has weak muscles, doesn't exercise, eats unhealthy foods, and doesn't get enough sleep, not only is their own health at risk. In the long run, society as a whole will have to bear the costs of their illnesses.
That is why the topic of public health of children and adolescents is becoming one of the most important topics on schoolgymworld.com.
Why is children's public health a key issue?
Understood by everyone, not just experts.
Secured by real actions, not just declarations.
Reinforced by specific solutions, such as the school gym.
We want this health to be:
This text is addressed to everyone: students, teachers, parents, grandparents, politicians and the Minister of Health.
BECAUSE CHILDREN'S HEALTH IS NOT A PRIVATE MATTER.
THIS IS A MATTER OF PUBLIC SAFETY.
What is public health?
DEFINITIONS AND EXPLANATION OF THE CONCEPT.
In the common understanding, health is associated with treatment. When we feel sick, we go to the doctor. But public health is much broader than the healthcare system. It encompasses actions aimed at ensuring that as few people as possible get sick.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
"Public health is the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organized efforts of society."
So public health is:
health education,
prevention of chronic diseases,
systemic actions at the state and community level,
access to healthy choices (food, exercise, rest),
as well as early intervention before the disease occurs.
A child who is immobile, has weakened muscles, and eats highly processed foods is not yet a patient – but their public health is already collapsing.
PUBLIC HEALTH YESTERDAY AND TODAY
HISTORY AND INTERNATIONAL COMPARISONS
A hundred years ago, public health struggled with epidemics, infectious diseases , and poor hygiene. Today, we live longer, but not necessarily healthier.
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obesity epidemic,
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a dramatic decline in children's physical fitness,
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an explosion of depression and anxiety,
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lack of metabolic resistance.
In the 21st century, public health faces:
The greatest paradox is that in countries with the highest health care expenditures, children's public health is deteriorating dramatically.
The greatest paradox is that in countries with the highest health care expenditures , children's public health is deteriorating dramatically.
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the highest per capita expenditure on treatment,
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the worst results in children's fitness,
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obesity and type 2 diabetes in children as young as 10 years old.
For comparison: in Japan, Finland and Iceland, the focus is on prevention, daily physical activity at school and health education – the effects are incomparably better.
The most neglected group in public health are those who have not yet seen a doctor. Children and adolescents. This population doesn't generate medical costs, so it's easy to ignore them in political debate.
But it is in this group that the following develops:
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insulin resistance without diagnosis,
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depression without therapy,
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physical incapacity without sick leave.
Research (including PMC9678825) shows that functional decline begins even before clinical diagnosis. This is where action is needed – preventative, systemic, and without waiting for illness to develop.
WHO IS NOT A PATIENT BUT IS PART OF PUBLIC HEALTH?
WHEN DOES THE PUBLIC HEALTH DECLINE BEGIN?
Between the ages of 10 and 19. This is a crucial moment. If a young person doesn't receive the right tools at this point, they will enter adulthood with a body that already has a disturbed metabolic, emotional, and motor structure.
WHO and CDC data:
81% of teenagers do not meet minimum physical activity standards,
1 in 5 school-age children is overweight or obese,
rising rates of depression and anxiety.
This is not an individual crisis. THIS IS A SYSTEMIC CRISIS.
WHY IS SCHOOL THE IDEAL ENVIRONMENT FOR BUILDING PUBLIC HEALTH?
SCHOOL IS THE ONLY PLACE WHERE:
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are all children, regardless of status,
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you can build health systemically – every day,
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you can combine education with action.
The school has potential that no hospital has.
– reaches the healthy population and can prevent diseases before they appear.
Systematic review of research (PMC10953841, 2023):
Strength training programs in schools have the greatest health benefits – physical, metabolic, and mental – of all exercise interventions.
Strength training is:
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increase in muscle mass (i.e. stronger metabolism),
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improved well-being and mental resilience,
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preventing obesity and posture defects,
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inclusive activity – each person can practice at their own level.
A SCHOOL GYM IS NOT A LUXURY - IT'S A STRATEGIC PUBLIC HEALTH TOOL.
WHY THE SCHOOL GYM IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR BUILDING PUBLIC HEALTH
WHY THE SCHOOL GYM IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR BUILDING PUBLIC HEALTH
Systematic review of research (PMC10953841, 2023):
Strength training programs in schools have the greatest health benefits – physical, metabolic, and mental – of all exercise interventions.
Strength training is:
-
increase in muscle mass (i.e. stronger metabolism),
-
improved well-being and mental resilience,
-
preventing obesity and posture defects,
-
inclusive activity – each person can practice at their own level.
A school gym is not a luxury – it is a strategic public health tool.
ADDED VALUE
INTERGENERATIONALITY AND EDUCATION
A SCHOOL GYM CAN BE:
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an open space after classes for parents and grandparents,
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a place for creating bonds through shared movement,
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a platform for transmitting health knowledge, with children as carriers of knowledge for the home.
It's more than just infrastructure. It's a community health center.
MAHA COMMISSION
MAKE
AMERICA
HEALTHY
AGAIN
In 2025, immediately after President Donald Trump took office, the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) Commission was established in the United States. It was the first such decisive institutional response by the American state to the ongoing decline in public health.
The mission of the commission is:
saving the public health of the younger and older generations, developing realistic, systemic reforms that can be implemented, and preparing recommendations that will reverse the current trend of degradation of the physical and mental health of Americans.
The establishment of this commission is a symbolic moment of awakening for America – a signal that even the richest country in the world can no longer ignore the fact that public health begins not in hospitals, but in people's everyday lives – in schools, families, and local communities.
Our "School Dream Gym" initiative is a ready-made solution that can be presented not only to the United States but to all countries beginning to recognize the same crisis. Because health cannot be restored through medication. Health must be rebuilt—systemically, physically, and collectively.
AMERICAN WARNING SIGNAL
STRATEGY FOR THE NEXT DECADES
If we want to rebuild public health, we must act where the disease does not yet exist.
In children. In schools. NOW!
> When everyone is silent – parents cannot remain silent
FAQ
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1. Why is children's health a public health issue if they are not patients?
Because public health is not only about treating diseases, but also preventing them.
And children and adolescents are the population in which the most change can be made – before a diagnosis is made.
Systemic actions in this group are the cheapest and most effective.
FAQ
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2. Can we really talk about “muscle atrophy” in children?
Yes, in many cases the muscles never developed.
This phenomenon is known as pediatric sarcopenia – physiological underdevelopment.
FAQ
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3. What are the effects of underdeveloped muscles in adolescents?
Lack of muscles = weaker heart, lungs, nerves, immunity.
Increased risk of disease, obesity, depression, low self-esteem and low productivity.