The start of a new school year is officially here. As a parent, you are sure to send your child off well-prepared including a new backpack, school supplies, books, and more. It’s also important to take notice of your child’s health, as you want them to start the school year off with their best foot forward. Part of that means visiting the chiropractor, and we’ve got the tips to keep their little spines healthy and happy all year long.
Beware the Backpack
Sure, your child may love the latest Fortnite or Minecraft backpack, but is it really the best backpack for them? When picking out a backpack for your child, it’s important to find one that is a good fit for their little spine. Choose a backpack with these characteristics:
It is lightweight and fits snugly against their body.
It’s made of vinyl or canvas.
Its two straps are wide and padded. A waist strap is a bonus! trap.
As important as it is to have a quality backpack, it is only as good as it is packed. When packing your child’s backpack, make sure a quality backpack is only as good as the way it’s actually packed. When packing stuff up for your child, you should make sure to:
Place the heaviest items as close to the back as possible so they are close to their body
Bumpy and odd-shaped items should not be packed against the body
Be sure that the weight of their backpack is less than 10% of their body weigh
Posture in the Classroom
As someone who understands the importance of chiropractic care and spinal health, you’ve probably told your child countless times to stand up straight, but you are right to keep doing it! While they are out of your sight at school, it’s important that they understand to maintain proper posture in the classroom.
Many kids sit slumped over their desks all day. That position can’t always be avoided, but it is a good idea to help them understand that they should try to limit the amount of time they sit that way for the health of their back and neck. Sitting in that position for too long puts them at risk for neck and back pain and discomfort, and they are way too young for that!
Here’s how they can sit with proper posture at their desk:
Keep their feet flat on the floor
Hold their shoulders in a relaxed position
Sit with their back up against the back of their chair
Their ears should be kept over their shoulders and chin just slightly tucked
Hold any books at eye level
Keep in mind that even young kids can experience negative effects of poor desk posture, so it is never too early for them to start learning these lessons.
The team here at Healthy Life Chiropractic is always ready and willing to help your child be as healthy as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, click here to contact us or just asking during your next adjustment. We are here to help your entire family achieve true health, especially during the stressful time of back to school!