A disturbing trend is emerging among today’s youth, the hope of our motherland. Many of them are increasingly sickly and physically unfit. This is not simply a phase or a seasonal weakness—it is a growing crisis of health brought about by lifestyle choices and negligence. Unless this is corrected, a generation is heading toward premature deterioration.
Consider their lack of exposure to natural elements vital to human health. Sunlight, which has long been a free and abundant source of Vitamin D, is now being shunned by many young people who prefer to stay indoors all day. Without this vital nutrient, bones weaken, immunity drops, and mood disorders rise. Moreover, they barely get enough sleep, which is essential for cell repair, brain function, and overall well-being. Countless youth sleep past midnight and wake up groggy for school or work, relying on caffeine or energy drinks to get through the day.
Nutrition has also become a major problem. The diet of many young individuals is often composed of soft drinks, instant noodles, fast food, and junk snacks. Rarely do fruits and vegetables find their way onto their plates. Water intake is also grossly insufficient, as sugary beverages and artificially colored drinks dominate. Without proper hydration and balanced nutrients, the body cannot perform its most basic functions, let alone build a strong immune system. This is not just poor eating—it is slow self-destruction.
Physical activity, too, is almost nonexistent. Exercise, once a normal part of the youth of old, has been replaced by endless scrolling and screen time. Perspiration has become a rarity for those whose muscles remain unused. Compounding the problem is the prolonged exposure to radiation from cellphones and gadgets, which studies have long linked to sleep disruption, mental fatigue, and other biological imbalances. Many young people nowadays spend hours daily with their eyes glued to screens, damaging their eyesight and dulling their natural reflexes.
This health decline among the youth can no longer be dismissed as a minor concern. It demands coordinated action by parents, schools, and the government. Daily routines must be restructured to reintroduce sunlight, proper rest, clean hydration, wholesome food, and physical movement into the lives of the young. It’s not a matter of preference but of survival. Neglecting the basic laws of health will never produce a strong generation. Instead, it will raise youngsters who are physically weak, emotionally unstable, and ill-equipped to face the demands of life.
