It’s FALL!!!!
So many great
things happen during this time of the year. Everyone gets so excited about the
cooler weather, football, roasted marshmallows…I could go on for pages. I personally get excited about Halloween
(mostly because of the candy corn) and Spinal Health Month. Many years ago, the
American Chiropractic Association implemented this event bringing awareness to
a natural approach to overall health and wellness as well as preventing back
pain.
Back pain is
pervasive among American adults, but a new and disturbing trend is emerging
among the nation’s youth. Young children are suffering from back pain much
earlier than previous generations, and the use of overweight backpacks and poorly
designed computer workstations is a contributing factor.
The increase in
back pain among youngsters isn’t surprising when you consider the
disproportionate amounts of weight they carry in their backpacks – often slung
over just one shoulder – and the long hours they spend tapping away at computer
keyboards. These activities can negatively impact a child’s body during the
developing years, resulting in harmful physical effects that can last a
lifetime.
Watch
Those Backpacks:
•
Make sure your child’s backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or
her body weight. A heavier backpack will cause your child to bend forward in an
attempt to support the weight on his or her back, rather than on the shoulders,
by the straps.
• The
backpack should never hang more than four inches below the waistline. A
backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your
child to lean forward when walking.
But
what about HEALTH?
Your
spine is your lifeline! You are healthy through your nervous system being
strong. Just as it is important to have
your teeth checked or to have a yearly physical to be proactive in your health,
it is vital to have your spine checked regularly.
