3 Ways to Lighten the Load of Your Child’s Backpack

 

Bottom Line: Does your child's backpack feel like a 50-pound bag of rocks? You may have noticed that your child struggles to get it on in the morning or may even need help to pull the straps together enough to click the buckle. What’s more, researchers and healthcare organizations are growing more concerned about the effects of this extra weight on your child's developing spine. 

Why it Matters: It's estimated that over 60% of children routinely carry backpacks that weigh more than 10% of their body weight. For some children, that may mean carrying a backpack nearly identical to their own body weight! This is a big deal because researchers have found that carrying heavy backpacks increases the risk of back pain in children by a whopping 50%. 

The good news? You’ve got their back. Use this checklist:

  Ergonomics: Select an appropriately sized backpack. It shouldn't be wider than their torso or sit more than 4 inches below their waist. 

 Fit: Use both shoulder straps to balance the weight and ensure that the are snug so the backpack doesn't hang low. 

 Packing: Teach your child to place the heaviest items towards the bottom of the backpack and use all the compartments to distribute the load. 

Next Steps: 

One benefit of the e-learning movement is that digital versions on the computer are replacing many heavy textbooks (though long hours of e-learning have their host of challenges, as you'll discover next week!). 

Most experts agree that a backpack shouldn't weigh more than 10% of the child's body weight. Backpacks that are too heavy can lead to back or neck pain, as well as poor posture. If your child has developed poor posture or neck/back pain, let us know. We'd be happy to evaluate their posture and movement to correct any concerns before they become a problem. 

Science Source(s): Backpack Safety: It's time to lighten the load. National Safety Council. 2020.

© 2020 The SMART Chiropractor

Disclaimer:

Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your 

own doctor’s medical care or advice.Reading this blog should not  be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship. 
The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates, 

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Top Healthcare Organizations Recommend This for Low Back Pain

Bottom Line: 

According to The Lancet, low back pain is the number one source of disability in the world. If you've dealt with low back pain in the past, you understand just how much it can alter your daily life. Even simply standing up straight can feel like an incredibly impossible task, and for that reason, many top healthcare organizations have begun to publish recommendations for the best ways to take care of low back pain. 

Their findings may surprise you. 

Why it Matters: 

The care provided by chiropractors ranks at the top of many leading healthcare recommendations for relieving low back pain. Movement-based strategies like spinal adjustments, controlled exercise, and dynamic stretching are a few of the most effective ways to relieve low back issues. Not only are movement-based strategies good for providing fast relief, but emerging research shows that they may be able to offer a preventative effect when continued over time. 

The days of taking drugs and medications for back pain are over. Prescriptions are now rarely recommended as a first option because of their dangerous side effects and, frankly, lack of results. 

• The American College of Physicians supports chiropractic care for the treatment of back pain. 
• Both Harvard Health and The Mayo Clinic have published numerous articles highlighting chiropractic and movement-based treatment options for low back pain relief. 
• Clinical care guidelines discourage the use of medication for low back pain due to the risks, dangers, and lack of results. 

Next Steps: 

We're happy that major, trusted healthcare organizations have evolved to support natural ways to find relief from low back pain. If you or someone you know is struggling with back pain, reach out to us today. Our practice will provide you with a thorough evaluation to determine the source of your problem and the best unique care plan designed specifically to help you find relief. 

Science Source(s): 

Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: Clinical Practice Guidelines. The American College of Physicians. 2017. 

Prevention and Treatment of Low Back Pain: Evidence, Challenges, and Promising Directions. The Lancet. 2018.

© 2020 The SMART Chiropractor

Disclaimer:

Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your 

own doctor’s medical care or advice.Reading this blog should not  be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship. 
The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates, 

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Stretch Out That Pain In The Neck!

Tight and short muscles in the neck can cause pain, tension, and limited movement. Here are 3 deep stretches to help!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGN7-YnXoys&t=91s

Disclaimer

Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your 

own doctor’s medical care or advice.Reading this blog should not  be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship. 
The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates, 

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Keeping Sane During Crazy Times

The combination of uncertainty, anxiety, and prolonged social isolation is taking a toll on many of us. Mental health issues such as emotional isolation, loneliness, and lethargy, and depression are on the rise. The increased risk of physical conditions as a result of the stress and inactivity include increased osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, obesity, and diabetes.

My colleague and president of Parker University, Dr. William Morgan addressed these recently in an article entitled "The Pandemics Within The Pandemic". Some of his suggestions:

Reject passivity. Do not passively accept this time as a time of social and physical isolation; be proactive.

Exercise. Schedule it daily. The routine alone is helpful to give some structure to your day. Get outside in fresh air and Vitamin D from the sun. Go for a walk.

Active Nutrition. Make a concerted effort to eat properly and drink responsibly.

Engage socially with others. Keep social distancing & maintain proper protective measures. My sister recently has a driveway party - chairs were 8 feet apart in a circle with food and beverages in the middle.

Give everyone a break, including yourself. Everyone needs social interaction and engagement, but that engagement should not become a source of stress. Engage people on topics of mutual interest. Do not engage in discussing who is to blame for what is happening.

Use technology. Find new ways to connect. There are many ways to communicate with both audio and video interactions.

SHUT OFF THE NEWS! Avoid watching the news obsessively and interacting negatively on social media. Once a day, and walk away.

Look out for others. Reach out to shut-ins and talk to them. Ensure that family and friends are eating correctly.

LAUGH! Still the best medicine!

To read more:

Pandemic Within the Pandemic

BE WELL!

Disclaimer

Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your 
own doctor’s medical care or advice.Reading this blog should not  be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship. 
The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates, 

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

Perspective Is Key!

What we see is largely based on our perspective. Read the sign carefully - Up and down, and left to right.

Disclaimer

Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.


Reading this blog should not  be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship. 

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates, 

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

12 Keys To Health and Fulfillment!

Over the past few decades I have learned from my mentors, colleagues, friends, soldiers, professional athletes and even people I did not like the following 12 keys to health and fulfillment:

1. Sleep 6-8 hours/night.

2. Strength train, with breath control, twice per week.

3. Eat nourishing food, and supplement with Vitamin D, Magnesium, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and Probiotics.

4. Music is food for your soul and Laughter is the best medicine. Get several daily doses.

5. Chiropractic care, spinal strengthening & core stability keep your structure sound.

6. Faith. Family. Freedom. These are never fully appreciated until they're lost.

7. Aerobic exercise, 20+ minutes five times per week.

8. Everything in moderation, including moderation (you have to get crazy sometimes!).

9. Productive mental attitude by finding gratitude and something positive in everything. Accomplish something important every day.

10. Consistency in a daily routine, with a purpose. Purpose can see you through almost anything.

11 Give some of your time, energy, attention, money, and experience to someone who could use and appreciate it.

12 Learn to forgive yourself and others over and over again. Life is short. Make amends.

BE WELL!

Disclaimer

Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.


Reading this blog should not  be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship. 

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates, 

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.

How To Use Push-Ups For Health

No gym? No problem! One classic exercise that builds great upper body strength is the Push-up.

The training load of a regular push-up equals ~65% of your body weight. The load of push-ups can be manipulated by elevating the hands (to make it easier) or the feet (to make it more difficult). Putting your hands on a box, bar, or handle~ 24 inch tall reduces the load to ~ 40% of your bodyweight. Putting your feet on a box ~24 inches tall increases the load to ~ 75% of your bodyweight. Push-ups on your knees results in ~ 50% less load.

SOURCE: Push up article

Disclaimer

Material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information that may not apply to you as an individual, and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice.


Reading this blog should not  be construed to mean that you and I have a patient-physician relationship. 

The inclusion of any link does not imply my endorsement of the linked site or its affiliates, 

NEVER DISREGARD MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY SEEKING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEB SITE.