The future of child health was discussed

The future of child health and diseases, physicians' problems and solutions were discussed at the 60th Turkish Pediatrics Congress held this year.

The congress, which was organized under the theme of 'The Changing and Challenging Face of Pediatrics' and attended by more than 2,000 pediatricians, featured over 300 speakers in different sessions. Turkish Pediatrics Association President Prof. Dr. Özgür Kasapçopur stated that there are problems with children all over the world and said that nutrition in the first 5 years of life is very important in terms of ensuring intellectual development in children, the development of the immune system and the healthy development of all organs. Kasapçopur said, "We have to protect children from processed foods, social media and excessive drug use. We have to create a world where children can move freely and pursue their dreams without pain or suffering. Our only goal is to heal patients and carry children to a safe future."

Kasapçopur, who also touched on the subject of artificial intelligence, stated that medicine is a profession that can be done by humans, and said, "The diagnosis process and other processes are all processes that humans will carry out. Artificial intelligence does not have the activity to replace humans, to do the diagnosis process and other processes that humans do. However, artificial intelligence can direct what can be done. Artificial intelligence will never be a doctor."

Board Member Prof. Dr. Ömer Faruk Başer also drew attention to obesity, explaining that although the obesity rate had been lower than in Europe for years, it has been on the rise in recent years. Başer said, "The rate of the problem we define as obesity in Türkiye is between 10-15 percent. This is the same level as children in the USA. Our research on more than 5 thousand children shows that Western-style nutrition has increased obesity rates in our country compared to those in Europe and the USA."

Congress President Prof. Dr. Nur Canpolat stated that the reflection of the changing world on children's diseases will be discussed and said, "We are also addressing the problems caused by digital life in children. We are also discussing posture disorders, obesity, physical and mental problems caused by a sedentary life. The impact of the climate crisis on children's health is also on our agenda."

Canpolat also said about artificial intelligence, "Artificial intelligence cannot replace humans. A good, smart assistant can help. It can never replace a doctor. We need to understand how accurately and efficiently we can use artificial intelligence."

It was also emphasized at the congress that increasing air pollution causes problems such as asthma and more flu infections in children, and that febrile diseases in children, which are initially perceived as flu infections, may be among the genetically recurring febrile diseases, and this may lead to serious consequences.

Board Member Prof. Dr. Haluk Çokuğraş said, "When it comes to child health, any incident related to children can be included in this issue. Violence, child labor, harassment and peer bullying. As an institution, we do our best to intervene in such incidents and improve the processes in a positive way."

Prof. Dr. Kenan Barut stated that the reflection of increasing violent tendencies on children is seen as peer bullying, and said that doctors, families and the state have important duties in this regard. Prof. Dr. Barut said, "With the use of social media, the violent attitudes we see a lot on the screens are reflected in children. We have a lot of work to do. Educate our children. Reflect what is right and beautiful. The more we can reflect what is right and beautiful to them, the better it will be reflected in society."

Prof. Dr. Ertuğrul Kıykım, in his speech drawing attention to the negative effects of pesticides on health, said, "Pesticide does not disappear immediately, it remains on the earth for 20-30 years. We can get it from the soil, water that touches the soil, and food. This can cause intelligence and attention deficit, and even autism in children."

"The Ministry of Health cooperates with the Turkish Pediatrics Association"

Prof. Dr. Kenan Barut stated that they are cooperating with the Ministry of Health to solve the problem of the decrease in the number of pediatricians, and said, "In the east, some medical schools' pediatric departments are on the verge of closing. The Ministry asked us to examine models around the world. We researched the US and Europe. As far as we can see, we have to ensure homogenization. I believe that this problem will be solved when these problems are resolved in the future."

UAV

Editor: News Center