World Environment Day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable living. As the world grapples with pressing environmental challenges, it's imperative to instil a sense of environmental responsibility in the next generation. Parents, as the primary educators of their children, have a unique opportunity to shape their children's attitudes and behaviours towards the environment. By teaching their children eco-friendly habits, parents can instil a sense of environmental responsibility that will benefit both their children and the planet.

Here are some eco-friendly habits that parents can teach their children to foster a more sustainable future. These habits focus on reducing waste, conserving resources, protecting wildlife, and making environmentally conscious choices. By incorporating these practices into their daily lives, children can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable planet for generations to come.

Habits Kids Should Learn

Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's attitudes and behaviours towards the environment. Here are 9 eco-friendly habits parents can teach their children:

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Teaching children the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle can help them develop a mindset of sustainability. Encourage them to think critically about their consumption habits and find ways to minimize waste. By reducing their consumption, reusing items whenever possible, and recycling materials, children can make a significant contribution to environmental protection.

Conserve Water

Water is a precious resource that is essential for life. Teach children the importance of conserving water and demonstrate practical ways to reduce water usage. This could include taking shorter showers, turning off the faucet while brushing teeth, fixing leaky faucets, and using water-efficient appliances. By conserving water, children can help to protect our planet's natural resources.

Save Energy

Energy consumption has a significant impact on the environment. Teach children how to conserve energy by turning off lights when not in use, unplugging electronics, and using energy-efficient appliances. Explain the benefits of energy conservation, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving money on energy bills.

Plant Trees

Trees play a vital role in the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide, providing shade, and supporting biodiversity. Encourage your children to plant trees in your community or backyard. Explain the benefits of trees and the positive impact they can have on the environment.

Compost Food Waste

Composting food scraps is a simple and effective way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for gardening. Teach children how to set up a compost bin and the benefits of composting for the environment. By composting, children can help to reduce landfill waste and create a more sustainable ecosystem.

Choose Sustainable Products

Encourage your children to choose products that are made from sustainable materials and have minimal packaging. Explain the importance of supporting businesses that prioritize environmental responsibility. By making conscious choices, children can help to reduce their environmental impact.

Reduce Plastic Consumption

Plastic pollution is a major environmental problem. Teach children the harmful effects of plastic and encourage them to use reusable bags, water bottles, and containers. Explain the importance of reducing plastic waste and the positive impact it can have on our oceans and wildlife.

Educate and Protect Wildlife

Wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Teach children the importance of wildlife conservation and encourage them to respect and protect animals. Explain the threats facing many species and the steps they can take to help protect them.

Walk, Bike, or Take Public Transportation

Reducing car pollution is essential for protecting our air quality and combating climate change. Encourage your children to walk, bike, or take public transportation whenever possible. Explain the benefits of reducing car use, such as improving air quality, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting physical activity.

The rates of resistance to recommended antibiotics are rising among newborns in the US, according to an analysis of invasive Escherichia coli samples.

E coli is a major neonatal pathogen in the United States and a leading cause of sepsis and mortality in newborns.

“Mortality due to E. coli sepsis remains high, especially in preterm newborns. Resistance to beta-lactams and aminoglycosides, the most common empiric treatments for E. coli sepsis, is worsening,” said researchers from the University of Missouri.

They called for tailoring treatment regimens against neonatal E. coli sepsis according to evolving antibiotic resistance trends.

“Neonatal sepsis isolates are characterized by specific genomic traits indicative of virulent phenotypes that need continued surveillance,” they added in the research published in the Open Forum Infectious Diseases journal.

What Are the Key Findings?

The researchers identified and analyzed E coli isolated from blood cultures of newborns at the hospital from 2006 to 2021. They intended to investigate the clinical characteristics of newborns with E coli bacteremia (bacteria in the blood), and the pattern of antibiotic resistance in E coli isolates over time.

“This knowledge is crucial to develop effective preventative and treatment strategies for this devastating disease,” the researchers wrote.

Of the 54 newborns identified with E coli bacteremia

• 7 developed early-onset sepsis (within 72 hours of birth or less),
• 12 were treated for E coli meningitis,
• 2 had necrotizing enterocolitis.
• Five of the newborns died, including three who were born preterm.

Antibiotic susceptibility analysis found 54 per cent of E coli isolates overall were non-susceptible to ampicillin and 11 per cent were non-susceptible to gentamicin—the two antibiotics recommended for first-line treatment in newborns with sepsis.

Also read: US CDC Links Recent Salmonella Outbreak To Backyard Poultry

Meanwhile, nonsusceptibility to ampicillin rose from 46 per cent to 61 per cent between 2006-2013 and 2014-2021.

The percentage of isolates that were non-susceptible to cefazolin, an alternative therapy, rose from 8 per cent to 36 per cent.

Whole genome sequencing revealed that the most prominent E coli sequence types (STs) were

• ST95 (17 per cent),
• ST69 (11 per cent),
• ST131 (7 per cent),
• 43 per cent of isolates contained the K1 capsule, which plays a crucial role in disease progression.

“Understanding genomic traits and molecular epidemiology trends of neonatal E. coli invasive strains is also crucial to develop novel preventative and treatment strategies that are urgently needed,” they wrote.

What Is Antibiotic Resistance?

Read More: Australia Reports Diphtheria Outbreak In Almost 50 Years: What You Need to Know

According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria learn to withstand the medicines(antibiotics) that are supposed to kill them. It's like the bacteria have developed a suit of armor against the drug.

When this happens, doctors have to switch to different antibiotics. These backup medicines might not work as well or might cause more side effects. Sometimes, a bacteria can become resistant to all available drugs, which leaves the patient with a dangerous infection that doctors have no way to treat. The alarming thing is that these tough, drug-resistant bacteria can spread from one person to another, both in hospitals and at home.

A 2025 report from the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that one out of every six serious infections confirmed in labs worldwide in 2024 could not be killed by the antibiotics meant to treat them.

The report noted that the standard, first-choice antibiotic is failing against over 40 per cent of E. coli.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions in children. Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in cases.

According to the American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, the signs of asthma can range from a cough that lingers for days or weeks to a sudden and scary inability to breathe effectively.

Coughing, wheezing, or a whistling sound is often mistaken for a common cold. However, experts warn that these symptoms should not be ignored and advise consulting an allergist.

Why Asthma Is Rising Among Children?

Dr Shivanshu Raj Goyal, Associate Director & Unit Head - Pulmonology, Max Hospital, Gurugram, told HealthandMe that "increasing levels of air pollution, exposure to allergens, changing weather, respiratory infections, and lifestyle factors are the major reasons behind a surge in asthma cases among children."

Children in urban areas are particularly at risk due to ongoing exposure to vehicle emissions, dust, and indoor pollutants.

Dr. Robin Gupta, Associate Director - Pulmonology, Paras Health Panchkula, also attributed the rising cases of asthma among children to worsening air quality and increased exposure to dust and indoor irritants."

The experts warned that parents should be aware of the early warning signs of asthma. These signs are often mistaken for frequent colds or seasonal allergies.

Symptoms include

• recurring coughing,
• especially at night or after physical activity,
• wheezing,
• shortness of breath,
• chest tightness,
• frequent respiratory infections.

Common asthma triggers include

• dust mites,
• pollen,
• pet dander,
• mold,
• smoke,
• strong scents,
• viral infections.

Asthma: Diagnosis And Treatment

Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial to preventing complications. Parents should talk to a pediatrician or pulmonologist if symptoms continue or happen often. Asthma is usually manageable with inhalers, prescribed medications, and avoiding known triggers.

It’s important to know that inhalers are safe and often the most effective way to deliver medication directly to the lungs.

Dr. Gupta told HealthandMe that early diagnosis makes a significant difference, as asthma can be effectively managed with the right treatment.

Other measures include:

• Keeping the home environment clean,
• Avoiding smoke exposure,
• Following medical advice can help prevent frequent flare-ups and support A child’s overall well-being.
• Parents can help reduce the risk of flare-ups by keeping
• homes free of dust,
• Avoiding smoking around children,
• Ensuring good ventilation,
• Promoting physical activity, and staying up to date on vaccinations.
• With proper management and awareness, children with asthma can lead healthy, active, and normal lives. Early intervention is key to better long-term respiratory health.

Amid rising obesity, early diabetes risk, and mental health issues among children, India has expanded its child health screening program to include behavioral disorders and non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare rolled out the screening measures under the revised Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) 2.0 guidelines.

The guidelines include steps to address mental health conditions and early risk factors for diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. These were released at the recently concluded National Summit on Good Practices and Innovations in Public Healthcare Service Delivery.

The screening services are free and will be delivered through mobile health teams at Anganwadi centers and schools, ensuring universal outreach and early identification.

What Does The RBSK 2.0 Guideline Include?

• The guidance document establishes, for the first time, a structured and standardized national framework for the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of childhood diabetes. It calls for universal screening of all children from birth to 18 years.

• Suspected cases will undergo immediate blood glucose testing and timely referral to district-level health facilities for confirmatory diagnosis and treatment.

• A free-of-cost care package will be available at public health facilities. This includes screening, diagnostic services, lifelong insulin therapy, monitoring devices such as glucometers and test strips, and regular follow-up care. This will reduce the financial burden and ensure uninterrupted treatment for children diagnosed with diabetes.

• The initiative promotes the “4Ts” awareness framework—Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, and Thinner—enabling parents, teachers, and caregivers to recognize early warning signs of Type 1 diabetes.

• The document also emphasizes the need to provide structured training on insulin administration, blood glucose monitoring, emergency response, and daily disease management. It outlines evidence-based treatment guidelines, regular monitoring schedules, and protocols for preventing complications.

• RBSK 2.0 introduces digital health cards, real-time data systems, and integrated platforms for tracking, monitoring, and service delivery. These digital innovations are expected to enhance program efficiency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making across all levels of implementation.

Signs Of Diabetes In Children

Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus can develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) if it is not diagnosed on time, since they are insulin-dependent.

Dr. Archana Arya, Senior Consultant Pediatric & Adolescent Endocrinologist at the Institute of Child Health, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, told HealthandMe that DKA requires hospitalization for treatment, and if undiagnosed, it can lead to coma and death. Early diagnosis reduces morbidity and hospital admissions.

These children present with typical symptoms such as

• increased thirst,
• frequent urination,
• weight loss.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus may or may not present with typical symptoms, and children may develop long-term complications such as retinopathy and nephropathy if the condition goes undiagnosed for a prolonged period.

All overweight and obese children, especially those with a family history of Type 2 diabetes, those with acanthosis nigricans (thickened and dark skin behind the neck and underarms), and girls with PCOS are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and should be screened annually to prevent complications.

The expert added that children with diabetes are at a higher risk of depression (2–3 times higher prevalence), anxiety, and suicidal ideation (in 8–27 percent of youth) due to dietary restrictions and the burden of multiple insulin injections in Type 1 diabetes. Diabetic youth are 1.7 times more likely to attempt suicide, often through insulin overdose.

Why Is The Initiative Important?

Dr. Seema Dhir, Unit Head & Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Artemis Hospitals, told HealthandMe that good health in early life is essential for preventing non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Diabetes is often linked to poor lifestyle and health choices.

Early monitoring, detection, and effective management can reduce the growing burden of diabetes.

Dr. Munia Bhattacharya, Senior Consultant – Clinical Psychology, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, emphasized that preventing non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity begins with maintaining both mental and physical well-being.

Providing mental support to children helps them cope better with stress and reduces the risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Children who are encouraged to express their feelings and seek help are less likely to experience anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies. Early awareness also builds coping skills, decision-making abilities, and healthier lifestyles—paving the way for long-term well-being and a more balanced, confident future.